It
was once considered unlikely for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) to carry
the necessary equipment to sense and avoid (SAA) other objects in its flight
path. The DJI Phantom 4 overcomes that
limitation with it Obstacle Sensing System (Drone World, n.d.).
Specifications
Cost
The full system cost is $1,559.00
which will include the vehicle, two batteries, camera with integrated gimbal,
and controller.
Weight
1380 grams (3.0424 pounds).
Power Requirements
Power is provided to the vehicle and
camera through a 5350 mAh, 15.2 volt LiPo 4S battery, giving the vehicle an
approximate 28 minutes of flight time (DJI Phantom 4 Specs, n.d).
Discussion
sUAS have become tools used in
agriculture, filmmaking, aerial photography at special events, in many other
industries and applications (Meyerson, B. 2015). To safely expand the potential use of sUAS,
these systems must be able to adjust their flight path in response to other
object in their immediate area, just as birds, and other wildlife is able to
do. Drones are employed to do tasks
considered dull, and/or dangerous such as power and pipeline inspection. They may also be used to deliver medial
suppose in emergency situations (Meyerson, B., 2015). In his online article, Meyerson discusses
technological advances where SAA systems have been demonstrated weighing as
little as 8 g (.0176 pounds). This
clearly shows where sUAS may be equipped in a similar fashion to much larger
systems, making them less of a hazard when operated in the National Air Space
(NAS).
The DJI Phantom 4 can be used both
professionally by video journalist, realtors, and other professionals where
aerial photography is needed. It can
also be used recreationally by people that want to capture images as they hike,
run, ski, or surf. In all cases, SAA is
an essential element to safe operations, particularly when operated around
other people or aircraft.
Conclusion
sUAS have received extensive news
coverage regarding their crashes, and hazardous operations and deservedly so as
in many cases the crash is the result of pilot error. Unchecked, this could have a negative impact
on the future of sUAS in the NAS. (Johnson,
J., 2015, September 17). The advances in
SAA, and other advances in sUAS technology will help to overcome the current
crash rate, and allow the beneficial use of sUAS for a multitude of
applications, safely and effectively.
The SAA technology might also save the owner and operator from a costly
miscalculation.
References
DJI Phantom Sense & Avoid Obstacle Avoidance, (n.d.). Drone World.
Retrieved from: http://www.drone-world.com/dji-phantom-4-sense-avoid-obstacle-avoidance/
Johnson, J. (2015, September 17), The Ugly Truth About “Drone Crashes,
sUAS News, The Business of Drones.
Retrieved from http://www.suasnews.com/2015/09/the-ugly-truth-about-drone-crashes/
Meyerson, B. (2015, March 4), Emerging Tech 2015: Sense and Avoid
Drones, (n.d), World Economic Forum.
Retrieved from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/03/emerging-tech-2015-sense-and-avoid-drones/
