Prox Dynamics Micro-copter Flies Outdoors
May 2nd, 2009
Norwegian company Prox Dynamics has recently conducted the first outdoor flight-test of its Hornet-3a prototype micro helicopter. The Hornet-3a is the latest of five prototypes built as part of the development of the PD-100 Black Hornet Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
With a weight of only 15 grams, the outdoor test was a crucial step in the programme as the final product is intended for extensive tactical deployment and must be operable in a wide range of conditions. Despite its tiny size, the Hornet-3a successfully flew in winds of around 7 km/h, maintaining an average speed of 25 km/h. Maximum speed attained during the test was around 29 km/h.
Prox Dynamics AS was only established on 1 April 2008, but President & CEO Petter Muren is the founder and owner of Proxflyer, the company that designed the highly successful ITC Bladerunner series of radio-controlled toy helicopters. For several years, Muren has held the record in designing and building the world’s smallest remotely controlled helicopter, with a recent record-holder being only 70 mm long and weighing less than one gram—equivalent to one fifth of a sheet of paper! In contrast, the comparatively “massive” PD-100 will be up to 100 mm long and weigh almost 20 grams.
Key to the success of the PD-100 programme has been the development of the world’s tiniest, fully effective servo systems, each of which weigh only about 0.5 grams. The PD-100 is optimised for military use and the complete system will include a transport box with charger, three PD-100 micro UASs and a controller unit incorporating a 6” LCD display. The control unit with three aircraft will weigh only 700 grams, while the whole kit will occupy only 1,920 cm3.
Mr Muren is scheduled to deliver a speech and flight demonstration at the UAS 2009 conference in Paris the week before the Paris airshow commences. The company reports that it has met all benchmarks to date and anticipates delivery of the first systems during 2010, with large scale deliveries commencing in 2011.
