Servo actuators – mission critical element of UAVs

Servo actuators – mission critical element of UAVs

Steering Unit

This post is also available in: heעברית (Hebrew)

MTC is among the presenters at the upcoming Autonomous Unmanned Systems & Robotics Expo on November 25-26 2014

Steering Unit
Steering Unit

Command and control of any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), especially medium size and large ones, complete with their dedicated systems, at high altitudes and sometimes hundreds of miles away from base, are critical for the level of performance in the framework of its mission.

Servo actuators are integrated into various systems of almost any UAV, constituting a key component of its steering. As a result, any failure in the UAV’s Servo systems could cause a mission to be cancelled, or even a crash. Without servo actuators, the UAV cannot be steered, nor can it be piloted per its various flight features.

The primary advantage of servo actuators lies in their auto-control capability and their report back feature, allowing them to relay their flight data, such as flight angle, to the UAVs flight control at any given moment.

For example, servo actuators also operate UAVs’ canard actuation steering units. The high precision this entails guarantees the servo actuators’ especially high level of performance during flight, including relaying exact position to flight control, allowing for rapid auto-correction in line with changes in its flight course, if need be.

As servo actuators are considered mission critical elements for UAV steering, they are manufactured under the most stringent conditions, subject to comprehensive testing prior to any operational assembly. These tests include, inter alia, tough jiggling, adverse weather conditions such as extreme temperatures (-40C °to 70C°), and so on.

Unmanned systems conference 2014 – Israel

AUS&R ban_ 960x300

The new generation of servo actuators includes a system complete with double redundant propulsion and control, consisting of two engines, two electronic controls, three potentiometers and additional safety mechanisms. Their mechanical structure is made of aviation grade alloy which are especially suited for adverse weather conditions and heavy duty. The actuator’s dimensions (size and weight) are especially small, tailored to UAV makers’ specifications, which dictate adhering to stringent safety standards. Servo actuators are sealed and nitrogenized, so that they may be capable of operating under adverse conditions for many years. Moreover, they RFI- and EMI-proof.

The steering unit is yet another product, among many, which MTC develops and manufactures. This unit is in line with many current conflict worldwide, in the framework of regular armies are fighting terror organization which operate within civilian population or close by. Fitting a 120mm shell with a remote controlled steering unit enables greater mortar fire precision, thereby minimizing the collateral damage to uninvolved civilians.

Consisting of 4 foldable wings powered by 4 engines, the steering unit is a highlight product designated for the US market.

Among the new unit’s advantages, as relayed to i-HLS, is the upgrade feature: existing arsenals of shells can be upgraded by raising the successful hit rates from 15% to 70% thereby completing the mission with reduced fire compared with mortars firing without the steering unit.

MTC is among the presenters at the upcoming Autonomous Unmanned Systems & Robotics Expo on November 25-26 2014