The rapid advancement of technology in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has created new possibilities for their application in numerous fields. For every unmanned aerial system it is essential to contain a ground control station (GCS), which must comply with mission-specific requirements. This paper presents the results of our research on optimizing the hardware and software components of radio communication for an UAV prototype with hybrid propulsion and integrating them into one comprehensive control station, enabling long-range operation and universal applicability to other unmanned aircraft. Our approach includes a unique solution to separate flight control from propulsion unit monitoring due to the experimental nature of the propulsion system. Flight safety was also enhanced by equipping the GCS with a system that provides information about nearby air traffic and secures the operational area against unauthorized UAV flights. Our system is capable of detecting intruders and determining their location based on intercepting UAV radio signals. Additionally, we conducted research on radio jamming as a means of interrupting the flight of a UAV that is violating a restricted airspace. Overall, our research provides insights and recommendations for the development of effective and user-friendly GCSs for UAV systems, addressing the critical need for safe and secure UAV operations.
This paper addresses the integration of photovoltaic systems into the design of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to increase their energy autonomy and flight endurance. The main objective of the paper is the design, implementation, and experimental verification of a diagnostic system for monitoring energy flows on the Aurora solar aircraft platform. The theoretical part analyzes the principles of photovoltaic conversion, technological generations of solar cells, and Maximum Power Point Tracking methods. It also documents the historical development of solar UAVs and defines key environmental factors, particularly the influence of temperature and the angle of incidence on overall system efficiency. The practical part describes the development of an onboard system for direct monitoring of electrical variables and an external reference sensor. In conclusion, both methods are compared through real-world experiments, and their accuracy is evaluated.
With recent growth in UAV sector, UAVs are progressively used more than ever before. With growth of UAV use is closely tied growth of possible uses of such aircraft. Missions conducted by any aircraft put requirements on the aircraft itself. This leads to necessity of optimization of aircraft for specific mission profile to maximize its mission efficiency. This article focuses on optimization of UAV wing for long endurance flight.
This article deals with the analysis and comparison of alternative navigation methods for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The aim of the article is to evaluate the effectiveness of selected navigation systems in conditions where traditional GPS-based methods may fail. The introduction presents traditional navigation methods and their limitations. The article focuses on alternative solutions such as visual navigation, celestial navigation, radio signal-based positioning, and inertial visual odometry (VIO). In the final part, the practical implementation of a visual navigation system using drone imagery and satellite images is described, along with the evaluation of its reliability at different flight altitudes. The results confirm the high potential of visual navigation as an independent or complementary system for UAV operations.
This paper addresses the utilisation of meteorological balloons and sounding rockets for data collection for meteorological purposes. The first chapter introduces stratospheric balloons, meteorological balloons and sounding rockets. Their properties, components from which they are constructed, and their current applications are described. The second chapter compares the devices from three perspectives. The operational perspective focuses on flight profiles, control systems, possibilities for reusability, and risks associated with operation. The economic perspective concentrates on the costs associated with launches and possibilities for reduction. The legislative perspective examines the existing legislation pertaining to these devices. The third chapter presents a conceptual design for a sounding rocket, based on which approximate costs for its launch are determined. In conclusion are discussed the advantages and disadvantages of weatherballoons and sounding rockets and the potential area of application for sounding rockets in meteorological measurements is identified.
Drones are increasingly being used in various fields to simplify and enhance human work. They are utilized for various purposes such as monitoring, mapping, agriculture, rescue operations, inspections, and many other goals. Their growing popularity has led to the need for selecting the appropriate type of drone for specific missions and operational conditions. The goal of this work was to compare the efficiency of the basic UAV concepts in relation to operational conditions, primarily multirotors and fixed-wing UAVs in various operational scenarios. Based on this analysis, a methodological tool in the form of a "Scoring System" was developed to assist users without technical knowledge in selecting the appropriate UAV. The system was designed as a universal tool and tested on two representative UAV concepts of similar size: the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (multicopter) and the senseFly eBee X (fixed-wing UAV). The "Scoring System" provides a simple and clear comparison of these drones based on criteria such as flight time, type of activity, accuracy and availability of RTK/PPK, maneuverability, environment, and operational conditions. Finally, a verification form was created, which was filled out by 16 experienced drone pilots to verify the functionality of the "Scoring System" in real-world conditions. The form contained specific scenarios in which the pilots, based on their experience and knowledge, had to select the appropriate type of drone for each task. This process helped confirm that the system is capable of correctly assessing UAV types and providing effective advice even for users without technical knowledge about drones. The results of this work can serve as a basis for further development of similar systems that will facilitate decision-making when selecting UAVs for the general public.