Project description
Innovative aerial surveys of low-infrastructure environments
The monitoring of low-infrastructure environments, pipelines, rail, or wildlife requires affordable and sophisticated aerial survey solutions. Modular technology enables selecting options and minimises start-up costs. Funded by the European Research Council, the AIRSCAN project proposes a low-cost aircraft integrating aerial survey, filming and tracking technology that is controlled by a single pilot. The aerial survey platform fills a market niche between drones (limited by payload and range) and commercial operations (high cost, require infrastructure, lack of flexibility). AIRSCAN will document the structural modifications, specifications, and options for modular onboard technology, refine the onboard systems set-up and mission planning system, develop a costing model for the aircraft and licensing of IP, perform market analysis, and prepare the product for commercialisation.
Objective
This proposal draws on the extensive technical developments of Ad-G 323041 LOCATE to commercialise the know-how to build a low-cost aircraft with integrated aerial survey, filming and tracking technology capable of operating in low-infrastructure environments. These requirements are common to many applications and there is currently no affordable off-the-shelf solution. Our product is unique, providing a technologically-advanced integrated data collection system controlled by a single pilot. Modular technology enables buyers to select options relevant to their own operation and minimise start-up costs. With operating costs of approximately €30/hour, our product will make sophisticated aerial survey, filming and tracking accessible to researchers, NGOs, government and commercial operators, delivering impact through high-resolution, high-quality information at low cost for infrastructure survey (eg pipeline, rail/cabling and flood plain survey) and conservation (habitat change, wildlife density), land and habitat management (national parks, game reserves). This aerial survey platform fills a market niche between drones (limited by payload and range) and commercial operations (high cost, require infrastructure, lack of flexibility). We will: DOCUMENT the structural modifications and specification for fitting out the aircraft with the equipment payload specified; REFINE the on-board systems set-up and mission planning system; DOCUMENT the options for modular on-board technology; DEVELOP a costing model for building, equipping, fitting out and operating the aircraft and licensing of IP; UNDERTAKE market analysis and research and communicate with potential suppliers and users; PREPARE a comprehensive portfolio for uptake by potential commercial partners. The project team includes three aviation/industry members experienced in bringing innovative technologies to this market.
Fields of science
- social sciencespolitical sciencespolitical policiescivil societynongovernmental organizations
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraft
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringroboticsautonomous robotsdrones
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
NW1 OTU London
United Kingdom