Autonomy
Autonomy cannot replace the decisions of a highly skilled and experienced pilot but it is certainly a very powerful tool for a wide range of operations. It is inevitable that this will become a predominant feature in future aircraft systems. The exponential rise in the power and simultaneous micronisation of sensor systems is vastly increasing the potential of truly autonomous operations. Nowhere is this more obvious, nor more relevant, than in the emergency response sector.
For example, a multirotor's major asset, like a helicopter, is it's ability to launch and land vertically. For emergency events however we need to be able to do this literally anywhere and at any time, day or night. The launch and landing situations are not always ideal and often must contend with very small, cramped areas, often surrounded by bush or buildings and in a wide range of weather conditions. The need for precision is crucial. The complexity of this environment is always part of an operational risk assessment process but is nevertheless incredibly challenging for the pilot and their systems operator/observer. For this type of situation the true value of autonomous systems become apparent, with the operational safety and the survivability of the aircraft being massively increased when a robotic system is actively assisting.
Autonomous operations are now going well beyond the issues of command and control of an aircraft and opening exciting pathways into the active role of the systems in their operational objectives. X-craft is currently involved in sensor technology development that will soon realise a range of highly advanced autonomous activity offering unprecedented capability, particularly to Search & Rescue operations.
Autonomy cannot replace the decisions of a highly skilled and experienced pilot but it is certainly a very powerful tool for a wide range of operations. It is inevitable that this will become a predominant feature in future aircraft systems. The exponential rise in the power and simultaneous micronisation of sensor systems is vastly increasing the potential of truly autonomous operations. Nowhere is this more obvious, nor more relevant, than in the emergency response sector.
For example, a multirotor's major asset, like a helicopter, is it's ability to launch and land vertically. For emergency events however we need to be able to do this literally anywhere and at any time, day or night. The launch and landing situations are not always ideal and often must contend with very small, cramped areas, often surrounded by bush or buildings and in a wide range of weather conditions. The need for precision is crucial. The complexity of this environment is always part of an operational risk assessment process but is nevertheless incredibly challenging for the pilot and their systems operator/observer. For this type of situation the true value of autonomous systems become apparent, with the operational safety and the survivability of the aircraft being massively increased when a robotic system is actively assisting.
Autonomous operations are now going well beyond the issues of command and control of an aircraft and opening exciting pathways into the active role of the systems in their operational objectives. X-craft is currently involved in sensor technology development that will soon realise a range of highly advanced autonomous activity offering unprecedented capability, particularly to Search & Rescue operations.