The new hardware architecture for the CARVEC system is now complete. It is fitted to two test helicopters and flown for several flight hours, all under control of the system and without incident. This represents the base level of the CARVEC system and provides stability augmentation in pitch/roll/yaw, as well as facilities to stabilise a servo-driven camera mount according to gyro movement.

Development has now commenced on the next phase of the project - the integration of a GPS receiver, altitiude sensor and magnetic heading sensor. This will be used to develop the solid base stability system into a fully autonomous-flight capable machine. This system will be smaller, lighter and use less power than any comparable system - allowing more payload or fitment to even a 30 size machine.

 

16/8/2003

19/11/2003

The CARVEC mount control system has been successfully fitted to a 10 meter airship to provide gyro stabilisation of the camera mount.

The system is stabilising the mount in all 3-axis as well as controlling all the slewing movements.

The electronics add less the 8oz to the airship weight and require just 70mA from the same 4.8v battery used for the servos and receiver. Additionally, the module sits at the top of the mount and so does not interfere with the camera fit. The stabilisation is in true pitch/roll/yaw rather than X/Y/Z of simpler systems.

A video showing the system in action is available in the gallery.

 

02/05/2004

The CARVEC cameraship demonstrator is now complete and in regular operation.

This machine is based on a small electric helicopter carrying a professional digital still camera. It is operated by a single pilot using the CARVEC stability augmentation system + camera control/stabilisation system.

The whole package is small enough to be hidden in the boot of a car - but produces stunning results. Click here for more details.

25/05/2004

22/9/2005

A video is now available in the gallery section showing the CARVEC system being flown in 'auto' mode during manouvres more agressive than those of a typical UAV.

Reliable operation of the internal inertial sensing system is essential for a flight-control system used in an autonomous vehicle. Beware any UAV control systems which cannot demonstrate this type of flight! - they are castles built on sand.

The CARVEC web site has been rewritten to show the latest system developments.

It can now be found at http://www.carvecsystem.co.uk/