Aug 31, 2020

Memorandum 

To: Dr. Joseph Hupy

From: Cole Bramel 

Date: August 31st, 2020 

Subject: Week One Field Notes

On August 25^th, our class was able to witness the operations of the Bramor fixed-wing. During this the operation we witnessed the crew go through a preflight checklist as well as the setup, launch, flight, and recovery of the aircraft. We also discussed some important details to keep in mind while the drone is in flight and what to do in an emergency. We then got to watch the M600 fly and all of us got to work the duel RGB-thermal cameras.

When we first went approached to the operation area, the flight crew pointed out that they like to set up a pseudo blockade with the carrying cases of the Bramor to keep civilians out of the operation area. They then told us a story of a civilian chipping a wingtip by accidentally brushing against it. After this, they started to go through a preflight checklist. This consisted of things like checking the lock that holds the holder clip to the track, then they connected the bunnies one at a time and on alternating sides. They made sure to avoid having potential energy built up before they were ready to launch. They then checked their surrounding for potential dangers and checked that in front of the catapult was clear.

When the team was ready for launch, they loaded the aircraft onto the catapult and made sure it was secure. Then they made sure to switch the aircraft into takeoff made so it would fly when it was launched. After this, they made to clear the launch area again and removed the safety. Then they released the trigger and the drone took off. They made a note to tell us that it is important when making the flight plan, to make a rallying point so that your aircraft can loiter until it is at altitude.

Lastly, while the Bramor was in flight we were able to ask questions about the camera and camera settings. We learned that the camera was a Sony Rx1 with a 35mm lens. The settings for the camera were, an F-stop of 4.5, an ISO of 100, and a shutter of 1/1600. When the planned mission was over, the team showed us what the recovery was like. The aircraft returned to the field in front of the team and began to loiter until it was at a low enough altitude that the parachute could be deployed. This was interesting to watch just because you grow up playing with little parachute men but never really get to see anything bigger with a parachute. When the aircraft finally touched down the team went out into the field and recovered it. We didn’t see a lot of what to recovery consisted of, but it obviously entailed repacking the parachute because it was packed when they returned. They then disassembled and packed the aircraft in its case.

Then the team got out the M600 which is a quadcopter with a dual gimbal system capable of operating two cameras. When the drone was in the air, the class got to each take turns operating and exploring the different camera operations and see what the thermal looked like. Using the thermal was neat just because I’ve never gotten to actually see what thermal camera vision looks like.

I look forward to learning how to operate these systems proficiently and conducting our own missions in the field. I also look forward to learning different information from Dr. Hupy about surveying.