Brock Technologies Assists VOTREX2 with APSv3.0
VORTEX2 stands for Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX). This is a multi-agency field program to investigate (i) tornadogenesis, maintenance, and demise, (ii) tornado near-ground wind field, (iii) relationships among tornadoes, their parent thunderstorms, and the larger-scale environment, and (iv) numerical weather prediction of supercells and tornadoes. The University of Colorado at Boulder RECUV Team contacted Brock Technologies about their project and system needs. Brock Technologies designed the APSv2.0 non-continuous rotating tracking antenna back in early 2008 and has now redesigned the antenna with continuous rotation and the ability to point at unmanned systems while on the move! This is the new APSv3.0 seen below on the RECUV Team's mobile operations van (Left) and a close up on the right.
The APSv3.0 antenna from Brock Technologies allows the group to maintain a backup command and control link to UA at long distances.
The RECUV team has had numerous successful flights and storm chases which can be seen on their website or on their YouTube page.
Brock Technologies Announces the Successful Demonstration on the SPEAR UAS
Brock Technologies Inc. recently participated in a series of flight demonstrations with the SPEAR Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) during the months of January through March. The SPEAR UAS was designed and manufactured by Brock Technologies Inc. to provide users with a lightweight, robust and portable airframe with the capability of carrying payloads of up to 14 pounds.
The SPEAR UAS is the first of Brock Technologies’ products to possess an independently shifting wing and fuselage. The system was designed to support various payload locations and weights, thereby omitting the need for ballast. This feature was demonstrated on multiple occasions as the SPEAR UAS wing was shifted to support each flights' varying payload weights. The standard SPEAR UAS weighs 8 lbs empty. This empty weight includes the weight of the autopilot and a custom pan, tilt, zoom gimbaled camera. In addition to this equipment, the SPEAR performed flight tests with payloads ranging from 5 to 13 pounds. Both the forward and aft payload bays were utilized during flight demonstrations. The SPEAR UAS places itself in an elite family of UAS capable of carrying a payload far greater than its own weight. UAS of this size, weight and class generally are restricted to payloads much less then their empty weight.
Customization and modularity are valuable components of the SPEAR UAS. The SPEAR’s variety of wing sizes ranging from 10 to 14 feet in length are rapidly interchangeable in the tool-less SPEAR system, catering well to varying customer flight envelopes and payload requirements. The recent SPEAR UAS flight demonstrations were conducted with 10 and 12 foot wings. Customization and modularity is provided by the SPEAR’s composite, longitudinal shaft which the body, wing, and tail sections all separately mount to. This modularity can be transposed with affordability. The SPEAR design lowers operational costs by allowing aged parts to be replaced and allows for affordability in future growth. For example, an entire aircraft does not need to be purchased to replace or upgrade a particular portion of the airframe. Observers of the flight demonstration witnessed various launching methods. The standard SPEAR UAS is capable of hand, as well as vehicle launches and is recovered via belly skid landing. Powered by an electric motor, the SPEAR UAS demonstrated endurances in excess of one hour with the gimbaled camera and the payload greater then 12 lbs. With a MGTOW stall speed of 30 knots, and a max dash speed of 50 knots, the SPEAR UAS is an excellent platform for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) as well as research operations.
Onboard video from altitudes in excess of 500 feet above ground level was streamed from the Brock Technologies Inc. custom gimbal to a video display for observers. The UAS can be configured with a number of commercially available gimbals and autopilots in order to support various ISR missions. ISR and autopilot subsystems are integrated based upon the user’s mission requirements. COTS products produced by Cloud Cap Technology and Procerus Technologies are typically utilized. Furthermore, the SPEAR UAS is transportable in a 56 x 16 x 11” shipping container. Assembly requires no tools and provides users with the capability to go from the box to the sky in as little as 5 minutes.
Brock Technologies in the Arizona Daily Star Newspaper
Brock Technologies Releases The APS v3.0 Kit
The Brock Technologies APS v 2.0 has provided customers with long range communications through an accurate antenna pointing system (APS.) The APS v2.0 has a rapid flip to enable 360 degree coverage. The new 3.0 version provides the user with the same highly accurate pointing system as the 2.0, but with the capability to continuously rotate 360 degrees without the need to flip or "unwind."
FLIGHT Daily News Posts Article on HAVOC UAS
AUVSI: Brock seeking follow-on deal for Havoc small UAS
Brock Technologies Completes HAVOC UAS Design
Brock Technologies Releases The Drive By Joystick Kit
The Brock Technologies Drive-By-Joystick Kit is designed to support the driving of any vehicle via an onboard joystick. This kit provides onboard operation via a joystick as an alternative to conventional driving inputs for disabled individuals that may be unable to utilize a conventional steering wheel, brake pedal and/or accelerator pedal. The kit includes all the electronic and hardware components necessary to convert a vehicle, such as a full size car or off-road vehicle, into a joystick controlled asset. Simply mount the kit components via the installation manual instructions or select to have installation performed by qualified Brock Technologies technicians. With the user inputs you can customize the throw of each actuator to fit each specific vehicle installation and adjust the sensitivity of each axis of the joystick to the preference of the operator. Our low-cost kits are the ideal solution for extending the control capabilities of a conventional vehicle.
Brock Technologies officially announces the release of a their pneumatic launcher for small UAVs.
Brock Technologies Machine Vision used in convoy following applications. In the above video the left rear tail light was selected (The Red Dot) and our ARGV autonomously followed it around the streets.