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UAS Inter-comparison consultant report

Introduction:

Drone is not a toy anymore. It becomes one of the popular technology to lead "Fourth Industrial Revolution". About 2 years ago, I was also the person who have thought the drone can't be the level above the toy. However, apparently, as much as I learn more about the drone, It blows my mind and gives me surprise that people around the world have already been using and applying this to many different needs. According to this lab, I would like to introduce different kinds of drone in different categories. I would classify in to "Entry-level", "Mid-level" and "High-level" in various UAS types such as "Multi-Motor, Fixed-Wing and VTOL. I'm also going to address the  good and bad factors of each drones. Therefore, I would be able to consult most preferable drone to my customers.     

Results:

Multi-rotor UAS (DJI Phantom 4 pro)

Figure 1. DJI Phantom 4 Pro

   

Specs of Phantom 4 Pro
Cost:  Endurance:  UAS Type:  Sensor Payload Type:  Range:  Launch Type:  Satellite Type:  Data Processing Options:  Wingspan:  Sensor Resolution:	Approximately $1,499  Battery lasts longer with 28-minute   Multi-rotor  RGB, 1”CMOS  4.3mi (7km)  Hover  GPS/GLONASS  Pix 4D  350mm  5472 x 3648 (20 Megapixels)

Figure 2. Specs of Phantom 4 Pro

You might have seen this kind of drone from places around you. Phantom 4 Pro is  one of the well known in UAS industries. I would say this can be "Entry-Level", it contains many different functions and it is comparably simply structure so people can approach faster. The good things about this UAS are it is very easy to manipulate, good to taking a pictures of different terrain and land types and it doesn't need to have wide space to launch so we can take it down when it is hovering in the air. 

The biggest update for Phantom 4 Pro is "Obstacle Sensing System", it can sense the obstacle and protect itself from the crashing to the building. There are two cameras at the front and one at the bottom. The sensor measures the distance from obstacle and take a action such as reducing speed or stop. On the other hand, there are some factors that phontom 4 expected to be fixed. First, it's set-up time for the propeller will be taking little longer than before because, the design has been changed little bit. Second, crash proof issue hasn't been solved perfectly even though the technology is added. it often crashes to trees and its branches. Third, battery is its chronic problem. The battery lasts for 28 minutes and distance up to 5 km. However, people are still requiring more lifespan of  battery. Additionally, it has only one option for payload camera. It is not very high resolution and no multi-spectral. 

Multi-rotor UAS (3DR-solo)

                                                             Figure 3. 3DR-solo

Specs of 3DR - Solo
Cost:  Endurance:  UAS Type:  Sensor Payload Type:  Range:  Launch Type:  Satellite Type:  Data Processing Options:  Wingspan:  Sensor Resolution:	Approximately $700  25 minutes; 20 minutes with payload  Multi-rotor  Compatible with GoPro® HERO3, 3 .5 miles (.8 km)  Hover  GPS  Pix 4D  18 in. (46 cm)  Payload Dependable

Figure 4. Specs of 3DR-Solo

3DR-solo is another "Entry level" of UAS we can use. We can see many of these looking drones from people who are trying to take a photo or making a video. The good functions it contains are pretty similar with phantom4 Pro. It is relatively easy to fly, require little launching and landing space and great for reconnaissance. Other than these benefits, my best word would be the cost. It is comparably inexpensive than other drones and reasonable price that people can afford. In addition, its camera can be replaced by different kinds of your needs. However, it also has drawback. Users have to purchase the gimbals separately and it also has a short battery life. Moreover, its GPS system is weak and limits its efficiency. It is also very dependable and involved by weather conditions such as windy and heavy raining day.

Fixed-Wing UAS (3DR-solo)

                                                          Figure 5. Trimble UX5 HP

Specs of Trimble UX5 HP
Cost:  Endurance:  UAS Type:  Sensor Payload Type:  Range:  Launch Type:  Satellite Type:  Data Processing Options:  Wingspan:  Sensor Resolution:	Approximately $39,800  35 min  Fixed-Wing  36 MP mirrorless full frame with custom 15, 25 or 35 mm lens  52Km  Catapult launch  GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo Ready  Trimble Access Aerial Imaging application, Pix 4D  1m  16 Megapixels

Figure 6. Specs of Trimble UX5 HP

You may or may not have seen often this shape of UAS. I would like to consider this as between "Mid-level" and "High-level". The fist noticeable thing is a cost. It is comparably expensive UAS and purchasable from group of team or facility not individuals. This is more likely for research purpose. It has many different functions that I would like to address. First, it is able to use DEM(Digital Elevation Model) to detect the elevation change of the object that you want to depict. This is unique technology in the market. Second, It has variety of options for payload cameras. It is interchangeable depends on your needs and purpose. However, it also has drawback in which it needs wide pace to launch and landing and it also needs ground control point for more accuracy.  

Fixed-Wing UAS (Topcon Sirius Pro)

Figure 7. Topcon Sirius Pro

Specs of Topcon Sirius Pro
Cost:  Endurance:  UAS Type:  Sensor Payload Type:  Range:  Launch Type:  Satellite Type:  Data Processing Options:  Wingspan:  Sensor Resolution:	Approximately $50,000  50 min  Fixed-Wing  Fuji X-M1 with XF18mm f/2 R lens,16 Mpix, Fixed focal length    Flights can cover up to 3.7 sq.km  By hand  GPS  Pix 4D  163 cm x 120 cm  16 Megapixels

Figure 8. Specs of Topcon Sirius Pro

Topcon Sirius Pro is another fixed-wing type UAS which I would consider as "High-level" operation. As you can see in the specs, it is very expensive equipment among the drone industries. Similar as Trimble UX5 HP, it is more likely to be used as research purpose. Because not everyone can afford this to use, it has much of great functions. For examples, It is automatic flight planning, easy to launch by hand and contains high GNSS RTK which doesn't need ground control point. It is also very robust for weather or temperature conditions. It is sustainable between -20C to 45C.  It has much longer endurance than any other UAS that I have mentioned before. Moreover, It is very advanced post-processing and has good quality of data. However, it may also has some difficulties, it needs certain enough space to launch and landing. Therefore it has limitation of land condition. It wouldn't implement in the dense forest area. It will be damaged when implementing landing procedure.

VTOL UAS (BirdsEyeView Firefly 6)

Figure 9. BirdsEyeView Firefly6 Pro

Specs of BIRDS EYE VIEW FireFLY6 Pro
Cost:  Endurance:  UAS Type:  Sensor Payload Type:  Range:  Launch Type:  Satellite Type:  Data Processing Options:  Wingspan:  Sensor Resolution:	$5,999  50 – 59 min with payload  VTOL  SONY A6000, SONY A7R, PARROT SEQUOIA..ect.  53Km  Hover  GPS, GLONASS  Pix 4D  152m  Payload dependable

Figure 10. Specs of BirdsEyeView Firefly6 Pro

This UAS would be "High - level" to operate. It is VTOL type which it can be launched vertically and landing through hover in small space, which means it is not restricted by land condition such as forested area. It is also relatively cheaper than Sirius Pro and Trimble UX5 HP. The biggest advantage is, having variety choices of sensor payloads. It has more endurance time and distance coverage than others. However, this equipment also confronts to drawback. The frame and materiel are fragile and very influenced by weather condition. For example, I would be very unstable if there are heavy rain and wind.

Summary (Recommendation):

There are many different kinds of UAS that we can use. Our job is choose most preferable UAS depends on our needs and purpose. In this consultant, it is more like focusing on company needs. Therefore, I would like to recommend "Topcon Sirius Pro". For the Phantom 4 Pro and 3DR-Solo, these are very reasonable price, yet, we need better quality of data result. For rests of the UAS, those are relatively expensive by what they have in it. In other word, it is inefficient. Topcon Sirius Pro is also expensive but has better quality of functions than others I believe. I also believe that this is company needs, so assuming that price can't be the big problem. The biggest advantage that I would like to remind my customer is, its GCP(Ground control Point). As I mentioned above, It has high accuracy of GNSS RTK which means we don't need extra GCP's installation. Additionally, its rigidity can also be big advantage to appeal customers.