UAVOS's Control System for High Altitude Platform Station ApusDuo Enables It To Fly In Unstable Atmospheric Conditions

UAVOS, Inc. has performed a series of successful flight trials with High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) ApusDuo testing the unique control system. Test flights for the ApusDuo programme confirmed that UAVOS’s type of control allows aircraft with a large wing elongation to fly in unstable atmospheric conditions. The ApusDuo aircraft successfully copes with turbulence, actively changing the bend of the wings.

Watch HAPS ApusDuo testing in action: https://bit.ly/3ihKATV

In general, the total flight time of UAVOS solar powered test aircraft is more than 1000 hours. Test flights took place at an altitude of up to 62 feet (19,000 m).

What makes UAVOS's control system different from its competitors?

1. UAVOS’s unique control system does not require the installation of wing mechanization which results in:

  • significantly reducing the weight of the aircraft by 30% or more
  • improving reliability
  • greatly simplifying the production of the wing therefore reducing the manufacturing costs.
2. The new control system is able to make record-breaking high elongation wings with high aerodynamic characteristics. This makes it possible to significantly expand the range of the non-stop application of ApusDuo.

3. This type of control allows aircraft with a large wing elongation to fly in adverse weather conditions. Landing and take-off of HAPS ApusDuo does not require airfield equipment.

UAVOS’ ApusDuo drone, which weighs about 95 lbs (43 kg), is launched by a winch. UAV has a wingspan of 49.2 ft (15 m x 2 wings). The aircraft is built on the principle of tandem, where two of the wings are located one after another with a little elevation. ApusDuo is controlled by changing the geometry of the aircraft. It is designed to linger at an altitude of about 60,000 feet (18 km) for months at a time for surveillance or to provide a temporary boost to communications.

“These successful trials represent a new significant milestone in the ApusDuo programme, confirming a flight endurance in unstable atmospheric condition results. In the coming days we will check all engineering data and outputs and start the preparation of additional flights planned for this year”, said Aliaksei Stratsilatau, CEO and Lead Developer at UAVOS.

1 October 2020