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.
The VECTOR-600 is UAV Navigation's most advanced FCC (Flight Control Computer). Its robust and reliable enclosure is designed to withstand the toughest environmental conditions; it has passed MIL-STD 810F (vibration, acceleration, humidity, rain, temperature tests etc.), and also MIL-STD 461 (EMI/EMC tests) qualifications. These MIL-STD qualifications ensure compliance with the high standards required by many Departments of Defense (DoD).
The VECTOR-600 has been designed in accordance with DO-254, DO-178C as well as ASTM F3201-16 - one of the only certifications geared towards unmanned aircraft. UAV Navigation is committed to providing clients with the documentary support needed to pass a platform certification process.
The VECTOR-600 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. The VECTOR-600 features a solid, validated architecture and is based on the accumulated experience of many thousands of flying hours on a wide variety of customer platforms.
The VECTOR-600 is suitable for:
- Fixed Wing UAV Platforms
- Rotary Wing UAV Platforms
- VTOL UAV Platforms.
VECTOR-600 includes UAV Navigation’s proprietary Air Data Attitude Heading Reference System (AD-AHRS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) that provides the precision attitude capability required by the most demanding platforms. The AD-AHRS unit means that the VECTOR-600 provides outstanding performance in GNSS-denied environments (drift <16 m/min) and in a wide variety of dynamic environments. Every AD-AHRS unit is examined and tested in accordance with meticulous calibration processes and acceptance tests before being delivered to the customer in order to ensure the quality of the product and its reliability.
By taking advantage of readings from external sensors, such as a radar or laser altimeter, the autopilot is also able to execute complex maneuvers such as catapult launch, net landing on a moving vessel or fully automatic autorotation. Not all the autopilots are able to control high dynamics platforms, but there are less autopilots that are able to perform special maneuvers such as low altitude and high speed flights.
Special algorithms in the software, such as stall protection, ensure flight safety in case of engine failure. Additionally, VECTOR-600's RTOS leads to a safer, more reliable system due to its predictability. Critical functions such as flight control tasks are prioritized to ensure flight safety.
- Proven on a wide spectrum of fixed wing, rotary wing and aerial target platforms in worldwide operations.
- Runway, catapult launch (up to 25G) or even balloon drop take off.
- Runway landing, parachute recovery or even net landing on a moving vessel.
- Alternative landing sites.
- GNSS Denied Navigation.
- Autorotation for rotary wing platforms.
- True helicopter performance.
- Stall Protection.
- Sea Operations.
- Suitable for High-subsonic operations (up to 650 km/h).
- Sustained +3G Maneuvers.
- Manual, Assisted-Manual, and Automatic Modes.
- Auto flight plan execution.
- Multi-Flight Plan Operations.
- Modify the operation in flight.
- Automatic actions on waypoints: suitable for cargo drop or camera shots.
- Custom Flight Phases: VECTOR-600 open architecture allows the user to easily customize autopilot gains in order to achieve custom behaviours on the aircraft.
- Transponder IN for UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management).
- Multiple datalink management.
- Camera guided navigation.
- Referenced Navigation: excellent for fully automatic ISTAR operations.
- 3D Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for flight control.
- Predictive paths.
- Flight Termination System
- Autonomous Navigation without Radio Communication.
- Meaconing, Intrusion, Jamming, and Interference protection.
- Deterministic/Predictable behaviour (RTOS-based).
- Compact Unit.
- Easily Configurable.
- MULTI-UAV Operations.
- Geofencing.
- Flares and pyrotechnics control.
- Health Monitoring.
- Individually tested before delivery to ensure high quality performance.
- Integrated ADS.
- Dual High-end CPU.
- Tactical grade ADAHRS.
- Allows the target drone to be used against surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems.
- Exceptional performance to price ratio.
- Embedded simulation capabilities.
VECTOR-600 can control a wide variety of advanced payloads and peripherals (contact UAV Navigation sales department for further information):
- Camera stabilization, pointing and control.
- Transponder.
- Servo.
- ECU.
- Radar/ Laser altimeter.
- RTK.
- Dual GNSS Compass.
- External Magnetometer.
- Flare and parachute activation for target drones.
Flight Modes
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Mode
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Brief Description
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|---|---|---|
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MANUAL
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The operator pilot has full control over the platform.
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TAKE-OFF
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The autopilot will execute the takeoff maneuver to make the platform go from the ground to flying in the air.
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AUTO
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AUTO mode executes the programmed Flight Plan (FP) based on waypoints.
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NAV-TO
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The autopilot flies to the specified coordinates, maintaining current altitude and airspeed.
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LOITER
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The autopilot will follow a circular pattern around the location where LOITER mode is engaged.
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| HOVER |
The autopilot flies to the specified coordinates, maintaining current altitude and airspeed. Once arrived, the platform stops at the desired position.
|
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| EMERGENCY | For Rotary Wing Platforms only. EMERGENCY mode may not be commanded directly by the operator and is the result of a failure in Magnetometer and/or GPS while being in any other operation mode. | |
|
SAFE
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The autopilot will command the aircraft to fly to a previously set Safety Altitude. Once achieved, it will automatically switch to LAND mode.
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DIRECTED
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The autopilot maintains current IAS, altitude and heading.
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LAND
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The autopilot executes the land maneuver, from its current flight mode to a predefined and even relative landing site.
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ASSISTED MANUAL
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The operator is able to over-command directly from the joystick/gamepad.
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UAV Navigation as a leading company in the autopilot market, knows the market and the clients needs so offers more flexibility at the time of selecting an autopilot. This provides a range of autopilots options in order to evaluate features and pricing costs. Although UAV Navigation provides different autopilot alternatives, the way they are used is the same so once you learn to use one of the autopilots, you will be able to use them all. This is achieved through the use of the same Ground Control Station software, Visionair, with an easy and user-friendly interface that helps the user to update, configure and execute the previously planned mission.
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MECHANICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL
|
|
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Size (mm, H x W x L)
|
45.0 x 68.0 x 74.5
|
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Weight
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180 g
|
|
Enclosure Material
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Grade 6082 Aluminium Alloy
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Environmental Qualification
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MIL-STD-810
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EMC/EMI Qualification
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MIL-STD-461
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Temperature Range
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-40°C to +85°C
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IP Rating
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Designed to conform with IP66
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Humidity
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Up to 90% RH, non-condensing
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Shock survival
|
500g 8ms 1/2 sine
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Integrated RF DataLink Options
|
No Datalink
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ESD Compliant
|
IEC 61.000-4-2-level 4
|
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Main Connector
|
25-pin GLENAIR MWDM2L-25P-6E5-18
&
37-pin GLENAIR MWDM2L-37P-6E5-18
|
|
External Datalink Connector
|
-
|
|
ELECTRICAL AND I/O
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|
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Voltage Supply
|
9 to 36 V DC
|
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Power Consumption
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2.5W
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GPIOs
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24
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PWM rate
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50Hz, 200Hz or 400Hz
|
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CAN
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2 (up to 1Mbps)
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Serial comm
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3 x RS-232 (up to 250kbps)
2 x RS-422/485 (up to 1Mbps)
|
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Analog Input
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8 ADC inputs with 12 bit resolution. Conversion extends from 0V to 3.3V
|
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GNSS Antenna Connector
|
50 Ohm SMA Female
|
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GNSS Antenna Power Supply
|
3.3V
|
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ADAHRS
|
|
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Roll, pitch, yaw range
|
Continuous unrestricted
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Pitch & Roll error
|
< 0.5ᵒ
|
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Heading error
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< 1ᵒ
|
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Horizontal Position Accuracy
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2.0 m CEP (GNSS available)
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Navigation Drift (Dead-reckoning)
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<30 m/min (continuous, not first minute only)
|
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Altitude Range
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-2.000 ft to +36.000 ft AMSL
|
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Altitude Accuracy
|
50 ft
|
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Airspeed Ranges
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15-220 kt (43-450 kt version is also available)
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Gyro range
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+/-300 ᵒ/s (all axis)
|
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Accelerometers range
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+/-8 g, all axis (+/-15 g under request)
|
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IMU Sampling rate
|
1KHz
|
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Internal Magnetometer
|
3 axis
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Magnetometer attitude compensation
|
Yes
|
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Multi-constellation GNSS capability
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72-channel receiver. GPS, SBAS, QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo.
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Time to First Fix
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Cold Start: 26s. Hot Start: 1s
|
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REDUNDANCY AND SAFETY
|
|
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Waypoint Navigation
|
400 waypoints saved in autopilot
|
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Dual IMU
|
Yes
|
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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
|
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Sensor failure tolerance
|
All single, several multiple
|
| VECTOR Break Out Board |
The VECTOR-600 Break Out Board is a quick and easy way to connect the VECTOR-600 to a PC in order to access all the connection capabilities of the VECTOR-600.
The VECTOR-600 Break Out Board provides the user an easy way to test or work with the unit before being installed in the platform.
| VECTOR Installation Kit |
The VECTOR Installation Kit (INSKIT) includes the ancilleries required to install and connect it to the UAV's onboard avionics:
- GNSS Antenna (Tallysman 33-2410-00-5000).
- 37-Pin Connector Female (model: GLENAIR MWDM2L-37S-6E5-18).
- 25-Pin Connector Female (model: GLENAIR MWDM2L-25S-6E5-18).
The VECTOR SDK allows customers to develop their own flight stabilization and control laws, via an Application Programming Interface (API), taking advantage of VECTOR’s hardware. The VECTOR SDK complements the standard autopilot documentation and software.
The VECTOR is compatible with multiple peripherals, including a wide range of sensors, radio-links, servos, transponders and other payloads etc. By using the VECTOR SDK, developers can combine all of the resources available to implement their custom autopilot solution.
When using the SDK to implement a custom Flight Control System (FCS), the customer is free to use UAVN's own ICD.
Key features:
- Create your own Flight Control Laws. With VECTOR SDK, it is possible to implement your own flight modes and special functions.
- Work with the raw data provided by the in-house ADAHRS and GNSS, or use our optimized state estimation for attitude stabilization, guidance and navigation. A quaternion-based solution that avoids the gimbal-lock problems found in traditional systems. Make the most of our tested and optimized estimator to implement your own Flight Control Laws.
- Use the tested hardware (MIL-STD-810F, MIL-STD 461F and ISO 9001:2015) for your own purposes. Take advantage of the hardware features of the VECTOR to develop your project and adapt it to your requirements.
- Develop your own telemetry (TMTC/ICD) to communicate between the autopilot and the Ground Control Station.
- Make the most of VECTOR's connectivity. Work with the API to make the most of VECTOR's connection capabilities, with no need to worry about analysing component datasheets. This allows you to concentrate on what's important: the creation of flight control rules.
- Make the most of VECTOR's RTOS (Real Time Operating System). Execute different tasks with absolute precision and reliability. VECTOR's RTOS leads to a safer, more reliable system due to its predictability. Critical functions such us flight control tasks are prioritized to ensure flight safety.
- Make use of the code templates provided to develop your own logic. Reduce the time dedicated to programming tasks by using examples and templates.
- Option to contract training separately or remote support available during development.
- Extensive I/O Capabilities. VECTOR provides the necessary I/O capabilities to integrate a wide variety of advanced payloads.
- CAN Dispatcher. Because of the implemented dispatching logics, VECTOR-600 allows the connection of up to 6 supported peripherals to the same CAN bus.
Kit Contents:
- The VECTOR SDK includes example programs and skeleton projects offering access to all hardware functions in a C99 library with a documented API.
- SDK documentation.
- VECTOR Break Out Board.
Find more in the Knowledge Base.
