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Products

VECTOR-600

The VECTOR-600 is UAV Navigation's most advanced autopilot. VECTOR-600 is a robust and dependable unit, with built-in physical and logical redundancy, allowing it to survive all individual sensor failures while maintaining accurate estimates of attitude and position. This dependability has helped the VECTOR-600 rapidly to become the autopilot of choice for UAV professionals who require the most advanced and reliable autopilot for fixed wing, rotary wing and target UAVs.

QUOTATION REQUEST
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.

Certified Hardware

VECTOR-600's hardware is certified against MIL-STD-810F (vibration, acceleration, humidity, rain, temperature, etc.), MIL-STD 461F (EMI) and ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Fully Automatic Operation

The VECTOR-600 executes the flight completely automatically, from takeoff to landing. The operator is able to define the operation and execute it autonomously, but can also modify the operation in-flight.

Easily Configurable

VECTOR-600’s software allows complex operations to be configured in an intuitive, user-friendly way; for example, automatic actions (e.g. activate user switch, change flight mode, etc) can be configured to activate on certain triggers (waypoints, COMM Loss, etc) for cargo-drop or photography. The software has been designed to allow fast and simple autopilot configuration. Additionally, the flight control loops can be adjusted by the customer to meet specific requirements.

DO-178C oriented Software Development

VECTOR-600’s software code is developed in accordance with recognised industry standards such as MISRA and JPL (NASA). In keeping with aerospace standards, it also follows strict code versioning and traceability

Outstanding proprietary ADAHRS-INS

VECTOR-600 uses a proprietary Air Data and Attitude & Heading Reference Systems (ADAHRS) developed by UAV Navigation to fuse the data provided by multiple sensors and to protect against single and even multiple sensor failure. The results have been favourably compared to FOGS unit performance. Additional sensors (e.g. RTK) can be integrated to further enhance performance if required.

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) certifications. These MIL-STD certifications 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
  • Unmanned Aerial Targets (UAT)
  • 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 <30 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 sea skimming, net landing on a moving vessel or fully automatic autorotation.  Not all the autopilot 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.
 
VECTOR-600 can control a wide variety of advanced payloads and peripherals (contact UAV Navigation sales department for further information):

 

Flight Modes

 

Mode
Brief Description
MANUAL
The operator pilot has full control over the platform.
TAKE-OFF
The autopilot will execute the takeoff maneuver to make the platform go from the ground to flying in the air.
AUTO
AUTO mode executes the programmed Flight Plan (FP) based on waypoints. 
NAV-TO
The autopilot flies to the specified coordinates, maintaining current altitude and airspeed.
LOITER
For Fixed Wing Platforms only.The autopilot will follow a circular pattern around the location where LOITER mode is engaged.
HOVER
For Rotary Wing Platforms only. The autopilot will maintain position, heading and altitude once HOVER mode is engaged and the platform is stopped.
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
The autopilot will command the aircraft to fly to a previously set 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 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.

MECHANICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL
Size (mm, H x W x L)
45.0 x 68.0 x 74.5
Weight
180 g
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
ESD Compliant
IEC 61.000-4-2-level 4
Main Connector
25-pin GLENAIR MWDM2L-25P-6E5-18
&
37-pin GLENAIR MWDM2L-37P-6E5-18
External Datalink Connector
-
ELECTRICAL AND I/O
Voltage Supply
9 to 36 V DC
Power Consumption
2.5W
GPIOs
24
PWM rate
50Hz, 200Hz or 400Hz
CAN
2 (up to 1Mbps)
Serial comm
3 x RS-232 (up to 250kbps)
2 x RS-422/485 (up to 1Mbps)
Analog Input
8 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
2.0 m CEP (GNSS available)
Navigation Drift (Dead-reckoning)
<30 m/min (continuous, not first minute only)
Altitude Range
-3000 ft to +30000 ft AMSL
Altitude Accuracy
50 ft
Airspeed Ranges
15-220 kt (43-450 kt version is also available)
Gyro range
+/-300 ᵒ/s (all axis)
Accelerometers range
+/-8 g, all axis (+/-15 g under request)
IMU Sampling rate
1KHz
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 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.

 

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.

 

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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.