Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVIFlying Sensor Platform
For the acquisition of measuring data and images in areas that are difficult to access, an especially small and agile flying technology carrier is needed that can be equipped with a variety of different camera modules, sensors and measuring devices. Depending on itse field of application, such an autonomous aircraft can also be a cost-efficient alternative to manned flight campaigns. In this context, Fraunhofer IVI developed the HORUS® multicopter in cooperation with Airclip and the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden.
The inspiration for the development of a hovering sensor platform had been drawn from a private quadrocopter project, in which valuable experience was gained with regards to various motor-propeller combinations, mechanical superstructures and the vibration decoupling of propellers, frame and electronic components. Microcopter technology served as a reference for the electronics assembly. The technology used in the development of HORUS® is based on tried and tested components, which are open to all users and which are discussed within chat forums and wikis.
After a few system adjustments, the calibration of the sensors and parameterization of the control algorithms, the aircraft's safe and highly trustworthy flight characteristics were demonstrated in numerous test flights.