Strategic Eyes in the Sky

Additional security measures that have been researched involve Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). UAVs were used in the 2008 Olympic Games for crowd control and pollution monitoring.



Traditional UAVs need space to launch and land; however, as most events are held in densely populated areas, such space becomes a problem.



That limitation has lead Fibreflight (specialists in design, development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles) to join forces with Quantum CAD (full product and PCB design firm) to develop a Vertical Take Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (VTOL UAV) to allow for more efficient crowd control and aerial observations.



“Utilising the technologies of our current core product, the MARAC UAV, we have been able to create a more robust, low cost product that has all the capabilities of a traditional UAV, but with one massive benefit, no launch and land space needed,” Richard Hardwick, MD of Fibreflight states.



For a successful vertical launch, vehicle weight is of top importance. More thrust is needed for a heavier vehicle resulting in reduced flight time and payload.



To save weight and volume, on board electronic systems need to be rationalised. Collaborating from the beginning of this project, Quantum CAD continues to stay abreast of all design changes to create a functional and durable bespoke electronic design package.



“Through utilizing our internal Product Lifecycle Management system, CXInsight, we are able to collaborate from the beginning of the project to reduce costs and ensure completion for launch date,” said Steve Jones, MD of Quantum CAD. “Through extensive experience in the defence, security, and aerospace industries, we have seen the growth in micro-technology. Technology must be smaller, faster and more intelligent.”



The development of the VTOL UAV will allow security officials to launch the unmanned aerial vehicle in central locations to monitor crowds and maintain security more efficiently.



Hardwick adds, “Being able to have a Vertical Take Off and Landing UAV will bring more benefits to numerous situations. They can be used for remote observation of suspicious devices, counter terrorism, security, event crowd control and monitoring.”



Quantum CAD continues to work closely with Fibreflight to ensure on time product completion. Launch date for Fibreflight’s VTOL UAV is late 2009.