The terminology is unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and in this case it is used commercially for aerial mapping operations. It’s just possible that New Zealand has produced the best there is, which would mean tapping into a multi-million dollar worldwide market.
The Waikato-developed UAV, which will be on show at Flair 2011, is the result of comprehensive collaboration which appears to have been unmatched anywhere else in the world. The Hawkeye UAV has involved the New Zealand Defence Technology Agency (DTA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Dunedin company Areograph, and Waikato aircraft designer Shaun Mitchell as the main players.
The project has been brought together by a team at Hawkeye UAV that has been able to bring its defence force experience to the venture.
Project spokesman Rowland Harrison says they have been able to use an autopilot system developed by the DTA, part of the New Zealand Defence Forces.
“We combined the DTA technology with the best image processing technology that we know of, an incredibly supportive aviation authority and very clever and specific aircraft design, and we believe we have managed to leapfrog the rest of the world.”
Huge demand exists internationally for high-quality, cost-effective aerial mapping with companies from six different countries already expressing strong interest in the Waikato-based project.
“We believe what we have developed compared to our main international competitors is twice as good, twice as safe and probably half the price,” says Rowland. “From market interest so far, it would seem that other people agree.”
He says a Hawkeye UAV is currently going through operational trials in Canada that could lead to a significant commercial contract. A third working prototype is coming out of manufacture in Waikato shortly.
While a strong international demand for military versions of UAVs exists, the main focus for the Waikato venture at this stage will be aircraft for a commercial use.
The Hawkeye UAV is specifically designed for high-resolution terrain mapping over areas of 5–20km2. As well as its safety (unlike some UAVs, the Hawkeye has an inbuilt parachute), the local unit has an endurance of two hours, more than double that of any comparable aircraft.
Ten new products are being unveiled at Flair 2011. In addition to the UAV they include the world’s first helicopter with a carbon fuselage, a new aircraft designed for the courier industry in the United States and a breakthrough seaplane design. The aviation trade show will be open to the public from 9am to 5pm at Te Kowhai airfield on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 13–15 October.
- Report by John King