Dubai launches unmanned super-craft

[Al Bhatti]

September 24, 2014

The super-craft termed High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) has the ability to fly non-stop for more than two weeks and can shoot full HD videos.

UAE engineers along with Airbus Defence and Space have helped develop an unmanned super-craft that can fly in the stratosphere at a height of 65,600 feet (20km), Emirates Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced.

Dubai launches unmanned super-craft
Jointly developed by Airbus and Dubai-based EIAST, pseudo satellite creates regional record for highest flight

UAE engineers, along with Airbus Defence and Space, have helped develop an unmanned super-craft that can fly in the stratosphere at a height of 65,600 feet (20km), the Emirates Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced.

The super-craft termed High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) has the ability to fly non-stop for more than two weeks and can shoot full HD videos.


The HAPS can be a handy tool for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, while it can also be used for thermal imaging, creating temporary communications networks and strengthening navigation systems.


The joint operation between EIAST and Airbus DS had five Emirati engineers working on the prestigious projects alongside Airbus DS scientists to create the unique Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).

The first solar-powered HAPS was launched into the stratosphere on September 11 from EIAST’s Margham base in Dubai.


“The test flight lasted 23 hours and 47 minutes and reached a record altitude of 61,500 feet (18km) and successfully landed back in Dubai on September 12. It was a smooth flight and we were able to shoot some videos as well. This is now the highest recorded altitude for any flight in the region,” said Sara Yousuf Al Ameri, Advanced Aerial Systems Programme Manager at EIAST, as she presented the aircraft to the press.

In the first phase, the carbon-fibre built aircraft that weighs 34kg, will be used for testing and demonstrative purposes only.


“We started working on this project with Airbus DS to prepare a demonstration model of HAPS and by August the system was being assembled and tested in Dubai for a flight in September,” said Amal Abdullah, an avionics engineer and one of the five Emiratis who worked on the project.

The super-craft that has a wingspan of 18 metres and a length of seven metres is equipped with a payload of a high resolution video camera that can shoot from the altitude of 65,000 feet and focus on an object as small as 10cm in length. The full HD camera has the capability to zoom up to 30 times.

“Frankly speaking, the camera we have used is just like any other ordinary camera, but we opened it up and added our systems and enhanced it with a bit of technology and made it capable of what it does today. It can shoot full HD videos of almost all objects on earth,” explained Amal.

She added the HAPS fills a capability gap between satellites and UAS and among its key features is its ability to focus on a specific area of interest, which can be hundreds of miles wide, which satellites can’t do, while also providing it with satellite-like communications.

Operated by two independent motors, the HAPS has an ability to fly on its own for over two weeks, 10 times longer than any other Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and offer intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services over long periods of time without interruption.

In the next phase, which will be completed in 2016, EIAST plans to build the next generation of HAPS in collaboration with Airbus DS that will be much more advanced.

“EIAST will design and manufacture parts of the next generation system in Dubai with the help of Airbus DS,” said Sara.

Dubai launches unmanned super-craft | GulfNews.com

 

[The Sultan Erdogan]

Whats the use of it?

 

[Al Bhatti]

September 24, 2014

The High Altitude Pseudo Satellite drone is able to fly at 65,000 feet above the ground and remain airborne for two weeks without having to land. It uses electricity generated by solar panels across its wings.

UAE’s ‘pseudo satellite’ drone has successful test flight

An unmanned aircraft that will act as a “pseudo satellite” could soon appear in the skies over the UAE.
The first test flight of the aerial drone carrying a high-resolution camera was carried out successfully this month by the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST).

It is thought that the drones, which fly in the earth’s stratosphere high above commercial aircraft, could be used as cheaper, more easily customisable satellites, or even used to boost internet connections in remote parts of the country.

“It’s similar to a satellite,” said Salem Humaid Al Marri, the assistant director general for scientific and technical affairs at EIAST.

“But you can bring it down, change the payload and put it back up again. It’s very flexible, in ways that a satellite is not.”

The drone, which is known as a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (Haps), is a lightweight, unmanned aircraft that weighs not more than 34 kilograms.

It has a wingspan of 18 metres and is able to fly at an altitude of 65,000 feet, although it flew at 61,500 feet during a test flight.

The propeller-powered drone uses electricity generated from high-tech solar panels across its wings, and it can remain airborne for about two weeks without having to land.

An early prototype, named Zephyr 6, was launched from Margham, Dubai, on September 11. It stayed airborne for 24 hours.

Mr Al Marri said the flight was mainly about testing the ability of the drone to withstand the environment in Dubai. “We sent it up there for 24 hours and proved it could work,” he said. “It was in harsh conditions, very hot, dusty and windy, and it still functioned well.”

The aircraft is still in its nascent stage of development and is the product of European aerospace company Airbus Defence and Space.

A local model of the still-experimental drone will be designed and built under partnership at EIAST’s purpose-built satellite manufacturing base in Al Khawaneej.

The first working model is expected to fly in late 2016, although several prototypes will probably make test flights before then.

Mr Al Marri said he hoped the UAE would have at least five of the drones eventually, which would not only fulfil an imaging role but would also serve as stationary communications satellites, boosting internet and telecommunications access in remote areas of the country.

“I’d say we’re 10 years away from that,” he said.

“But we’re investing in these technologies now, so we can provide such services in the future.”

EIAST has been involved in developing satellites since 2006. Its second satellite, DubaiSat-2, was launched last year. A third satellite, Khalifa Sat, will be launched in 2017.

EIAST has sent about 20 UAE engineers to South Korea to learn satellite technology from satellite manufacturer Satrec.

Those engineers will be solely responsible for building the final flight model of Khalifa Sat in the UAE, making it the country’s first locally made satellite.

Although the Haps drones cost a fraction of a full orbiting satellite – a final cost has yet to be revealed – and provide similar domestic services, they are not meant to replace EIAST’s satellite programme.

“It is a complementary programme, not something to replace our current satellites,” said Sarah Yousef Amiri, a programme manager at EIAST.

“These aircraft act as temporary, cheap satellites that are flexible in terms of what payload you decide to carry. But they cannot take the place of a real satellite.”

Air-traffic congestion is one of the biggest challenges that EIAST expects to face.

“It flew right next to one of the world’s top three busiest airports, and in the busiest airspace in the world,” said Ms Amiri.

“That was the biggest concern, but the aircraft performed really well.”


UAE’s ‘pseudo satellite’ drone has successful test flight | The National

 

[Al Bhatti]

25 September 2014

Emirati scientists send solar-powered pseudo satellite into stratosphere


Reaching a height of 61,500 feet, the satellite remained in stratosphere for 23.47 hours before returning to the ground station.

Flying over the UAE skies, Emirati scientists set a new record for the region’s highest flight by sending a solar-powered pseudo satellite into stratosphere. Reaching a height of 61,500 feet, the satellite remained in stratosphere for 23.47 hours before returning to the ground station.

Journalists were given a sneak peek of the latest project at a testing facility on the outskirts of Dubai operated by the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST).

“This is considered the highest altitude flown by any aircraft in the region. The system allows multiple payloads to be attached and the applications can vary depending on requirements,” explained Sarah Yousef Amiri, Advanced Aerial Systems Programme Manager, EIAST.

The High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (Haps) can fly continuously for over two weeks, 10 times longer than any other Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The system combines the benefits of a satellite, in terms of altitude and applications, and an aircraft, in terms of re-usability and coverage.

Speaking with Khaleej Times, Sarah said: “Communication payloads can extend the coverage of communication systems such as 3G networks to reach areas where physical infrastructure does not allow access.”

Using only solar power to fly above the weather, the aircraft can provide thermal imaging, full-HD video imaging (1080p), creation of temporary communication networks and strengthening navigation.

“Right now, we have to take our aircraft from the demonstration phase into operation and we plan to develop various applications for the government sector,” she added.

The project was launched in March with a team of UAE engineers working with Airbus DS to prepare a model of the Haps system to fly for the first time in Dubai.

By August, the system was assembled and tested in Dubai in preparation for a flight day in September. After assembly, integration and testing, the aircraft weighed 34 kg, with a wingspan of 18 metres, carrying a Full-HD Video payload.

“The purpose of the Haps programme is to advance science and technology in the UAE. This device complements our current capabilities and derives many of its innovations from existing satellite technology which offers similar applications,” noted Sarah.

The test-flight was equipped with video technology providing an image resolution of approximately 10cm equipped with 30 times zooming capability, depending on altitude. Seven Haps aircraft are expected to fly simultaneously once the project becomes operational by the end of 2016.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-arti...eneral_September217.xml&section=nationgeneral

 

[Sinnerman108]

@Al Bhatti

Point in case this prototype has already been flown by NASA several years ago.

I am doubting the news agencies credentials now.

 

[Mosamania]

@Al Bhatti

Point in case this prototype has already been flown by NASA several years ago.

I am doubting the news agencies credentials now.

Or maybe they have joint research with NASA? That is also an option you know. Yes I know a GCC country doing something like this is unfathomable according to your twisted mentality, but you gotta call a spade a spade.

 

[Sinnerman108]

Or maybe they have joint research with NASA? That is also an option you know. Yes I know a GCC country doing something like this is unfathomable according to your twisted mentality, but you gotta call a spade a spade.

There are several things you can do;
teaching me science .. not today mosab.T

you stick to medicine, leave the engineering to us

SOLAR IMPULSE - An airplane

NASA Pathfinder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

NASA - Helios

See now, SCIENCE is when you make a discovery, and are able to back up your claim with evidence, warrant and qualification.

The Emirati can claim very little "scientific break through" in this project.

It's like you can learn anesthesia but you can not claim to have invented it.

@Arabian Legend will guide now guide you why philosophy is so important a subject.

PS: May I say you spoke too soon and too much. I am one of the few friends you have around here.

 

[Mosamania]

There are several things you can do;
teaching me science .. not today mosab.T

you stick to medicine, leave the engineering to us

SOLAR IMPULSE - An airplane

View attachment 86153

NASA Pathfinder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

NASA - Helios

See now, SCIENCE is when you make a discovery, and are able to back up your claim with evidence, warrant and qualification.

The Emirati can claim very little "scientific break through" in this project.

It's like you can learn anesthesia but you can not claim to have invented it.

@Arabian Legend will guide now guide you why philosophy is so important a subject.

PS: May I say you spoke too soon and too much. I am one of the few friends you have around here.

Okay then I apologize, I am just automatically on the defensive on this site.

 

[The SC]

Whats the use of it?

The super-craft termed High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) has the ability to fly non-stop for more than two weeks and can shoot full HD videos.
The HAPS can be a handy tool for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, while it can also be used for thermal imaging, creating temporary communications networks and strengthening navigation systems.

 

[Sinnerman108]

Okay then I apologize, I am just automatically on the defensive on this site.

Don't worry about it; I keep an eye on everything