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VECTOR-400

The VECTOR-400 is a cutting-edge, robust and dependable autopilot, with built-in physical and logical redundancy. Designed to comply with MIL-STD standards required by many Departments of Defense (DoD), the VECTOR-400 is now the Flight Control Computer (FCC) of choice for aerial target applications.

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    autopilos for target drones Vector-400
  • autopilos for target drones Vector-400
The Professional's Choice for Aerial Targets

Specifically designed to meet the special requirements of aerial targets: catapult launch, highly dynamic maneuvers, high speed flight, sustained +3G maneuvers, parachute recovery, etc.

Fully Automatic Operation

The VECTOR-400 executes the flight completely automatically, from take-off to landing. The operator is able to define the operation and execute it autonomously, but can also modify the operation in-flight.

GNSS-Denied Navigation
GNSS-Denied Navigation

Exceptional performance in GNSS-denied environments and when there is a jamming threat. High quality components and an EMI/EMC resistant design (tested to MIL-STD 461), together with advanced estimation logic, serve to mitigate the impact of certain high-power signals and allow precise dead-reckoning navigation even when a reliable GNSS signal becomes unavailable.

Datalink Independent

Advanced onboard software means that the mission can be carried out even if the datalink becomes unavailable or fails.

Sea-Skimming

When a radar altimeter is installed, the VECTOR-400 can use readings from the unit to control high speed, sea-skimming flight at altitudes down to 7 m above surface level. The system also features automatic abort logic which means the mission can be safely terminated at a predefined safety distance from the target vessel. Such safety features can also be triggered automatically by preset alarms.

Compact and Easy to Integrate

Reduced size and weight allow straightforward integration into the platform's avionics package using a robust Amphenol military grade, twist fit connector. Integrated datalink options are available.

The VECTOR-400 is a compact autopilot designed specifically for Unmanned Aerial Targets (UAT). Its robust enclosure and military grade connector are designed to withstand the toughest environmental conditions and conform to MIL-STD 810 and MIL-STD 461. 

It has built-in physical and logical redundancy, allowing it to survive all individual sensor failures and even jamming attacks while maintaining accurate estimates of attitude and position. Advanced algorithms, such as stall protection and an automatic gliding capability, ensure flight safety in case of engine failure. 

The VECTOR-400 incorporates UAV Navigation’s proprietary Air Data Attitude and Heading Reference System (AD-AHRS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS), providing precision attitude information and enabling reliable navigation even in the most demanding environments. The outstanding AHRS means that the VECTOR-400 delivers great performance in GNSS-denied environments (<30 m/min drift) and also when executing highly dynamic maneuvers. 

Every unit is checked in accordance with UAV Navigation's meticulous calibration processes before passing Quality and final acceptance tests; only then is it delivered to the customer with its individual Certificate Of Conformity.

UAV Navigation has designed the VECTOR-400 to conform with MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461. Hardware and software design and development are in accordance with DO-178, DO-254 and also ASTM F3201-16 - one of the only certifications geared towards unmanned aircraft.

When a radar altimeter is installed, the VECTOR-400 can use readings from the unit to control high speed, sea-skimming flight at altitudes down to 7 meters above surface level in order to provide realistic anti-ship missile threat emulation and training.

Not all autopilots are able to control highly dynamic platforms; even less are able to perform special maneuvers such as high speed, sea-skimming flights.

autopilot uav

  • Proven on a wide variety of aerial targets around the world.
  • Catapult launch (up to 25G).
  • Parachute Recovery.
  • GNSS Denied Navigation.
  • Sea-Skimming (proven in real flights 7m above sea level).
  • High Dynamics Actions: Evasive Maneuvers.
  • Sea Operations.
  • Flown up to 650km/h.
  • Optimal Evasive Aircraft Maneuvers (Sustained +3G).
  • Manual, Assisted-Manual, and Automatic Modes.
  • Auto flight plan execution (up to 400 waypoints).
  • Multi-Flight Plan Operations.
  • Modify the operation in flight.
  • Predictive paths.
  • Flight Termination System.
  • Automatic Stall Protection.
  • COMM LOST Autonomous Operation.
  • Meaconing, Intrusion, Jamming, and Interference protection.
  • Compact Unit.
  • Easy Configuration.
  • CAN Dispatcher. Because of the implemented dispatching logics, VECTOR-400 allows the connection of up to 6 supported peripherals to the same CAN bus.
  • Multi-UAV Operations.
  • Optional Integrated Datalink.
  • Radio datalink independent mission capability.
  • Geofencing.
  • Flares and pyrotechnics control.
  • Health Monitoring.
  • Dual High-end CPU.
  • Integrated ADS.
  • Allows the target drone to be used against surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems.
  • Exceptional performance to price ratio.
  • Referenced Flights.
  • Transponder IN for UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management).

datalink autopilot

VECTOR-400 can control a wide variety of peripherals used in aerial targets operations:

target drone autopilot

  • Multiple datalink support.
  • Radar altimeter.
  • Transponder.
  • ECU.
  • Flare.
  • Pyrotechnics.
  • Parachute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flight Modes:

 
Mode
Brief Description
MANUAL
The operator pilot has full control over the platform.
TAKE-OFF
The autopilot will execute the take off maneuver from standstill to the point where it can transition safely to AUTO flight.
AUTO
AUTO mode executes the programmed Flight Plan (FP) based on waypoints. 
NAV-TO
The autopilot flies to specified coordinates, maintaining current altitude and airspeed.
LOITER
The autopilot executes a circular pattern around the location where LOITER mode is engaged.
SAFE
The autopilot will command the aircraft to fly to a preset Safety Altitude. Once achieved, it will automatically switch to LAND mode.
DIRECTED The autopilot maintains current IAS, altitude and heading.
LAND
The autopilot executes the land maneuver, from its current flight mode to a predefined and even relative landing site.
ASSISTED MANUAL
The operator is able to over-command directly from the joystick/gamepad.


UAV Navigation is a leading autopilot manufacturer with extensive experience in the aerial target market. The company's range of autopilots for aerial targets means that customers can choose from cutting-edge, highly advanced flight control solutions for the most demanding platforms, down to more straightforward systems for simpler targets which require a more cost-effective autopilot. Although UAV Navigation offers a range of autopilots, the flight control system and Visionair Ground Control Station (GCS) software behind all of them is the same, providing the same reliability and dependability, and minimizing operator training costs.

MECHANICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL
Size (mm, H x W x L)
58.0 x 68.0 x 74.5
Weight
210 g (No datalink)
255 g (Integrated datalink)
Enclosure Material
Grade 6082 Aluminium Alloy
Environmental Qualification
MIL-STD-810
EMC/EMI Qualification
MIL-STD-461
Temperature Range
-40°C to +85°C
IP Rating
Designed to conform with IP66
Humidity
Up to 90% RH, non-condensing
Shock survival
500g 8ms 1/2 sine
Integrated RF DataLink Options
No Datalink, 400 MHz, 900 MHz
ESD Compliant
IEC 61.000-4-2-level 4
Main Connector
Amphenol MS3112E-16-26P
External Datalink Connector
SOURIAU 8STA00205SA
ELECTRICAL AND I/O
Voltage Supply
9 to 36 V DC
Power Consumption
2.5W
GPIOs
8
PWM rate
50Hz, 200Hz or 400Hz
CAN
1 (up to 1Mbps)
Serial comm
4 x RS-232 (up to 250kbps) (No radio version)
3 x RS-232 (up to 250kbps) (Radio version)
Analog Input
3 ADC inputs with 12 bit resolution. Conversion extends from 0V to 3.3V
GNSS Antenna Connector
50 Ohm SMA Female
GNSS Antenna Power Supply
3.3V
ADAHRS
Roll, pitch, yaw range
Continuous unrestricted
Pitch & Roll error
< 0.5ᵒ
Heading error
< 1ᵒ
Horizontal Position Accuracy
2.5 m CEP (GNSS available)
Navigation Drift (Dead-reckoning)
<30 m/min (continuous, not first minute only)
Altimeter Range
-2.000 ft to +36.000 ft AMSL
Altimeter Accuracy
±3% Reading
Airspeed Ranges
15-220 kt (43-450 kt under request)
Gyro range
±300 ᵒ/s (all axis)
Accelerometers range
±8 g, all axis (±15 g under request)
Sampling rate (IMU + Attitude)
Up to 500 Hz
Internal Magnetometer
3 axis
Magnetometer attitude compensation
Yes
Multi-constellation GNSS capability
72-channel receiver. GPS, SBAS, QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo.
Time to First Fix
Cold Start: 26s. Hot Start: 1s
REDUNDANCY AND SAFETY
Waypoint Navigation
400 waypoints saved in autopilot
Dual IMU
Yes
Dual CPU
Yes. 850MIPS CPUs (each with 16MB program flash & 256MB ram)
Online sensors diagnostics
Yes (Continuous Built-In Test, CBIT)
Dual Power Supply
Yes
Flight Termination
Deadman Output
Sensor failure tolerance
All single, several multiple

 

VECTOR-400 Break Out Board

 

The VECTOR-400 Break Out Board is a quick and easy way to connect the VECTOR-400 to a PC in order to access all the connection capabilities of the VECTOR-400. 
The VECTOR-400 Break Out Board provides the user an easy way to test or work with the unit before being installed in the platform.

 

 
VECTOR-400 Installation Kit
 

The VECTOR-400 Installation Kit (INSKIT) includes the ancillaries required to install and connect it to the UAV's onboard avionics:

  • GNSS Antenna (Tallysman 33-2410-00-5000).
  • Amphenol MS3116F16-26S

 

 

 
 

 

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About

UAV Navigation is a privately-owned company that has specialized in the design of flight control solutions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) since 2004. It is used by a variety of Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers in a wide range of UAV - also known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or 'drones'. These include high-performance tactical unmanned planes, aerial targets, mini-UAVs and helicopters.