Target pressure: new stabilization system will improve drone guidance accuracy

Russian scientists have proposed a new solution to actively suppress the shaking of laser guidance devices on light unmanned aerial vehicles. The stabilization system includes a control unit, a vibration detector and electric actuators that work in counter-phase and dampen the resulting pulses. Development tests have shown a 20-30% reduction in laser beam spread. Implementation of the innovation will reduce the weight of UAVs by 40-50%, which will make it possible to increase the flight range or the number of payloads.

How to reduce drone vibrations

Scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have proposed a solution to reduce the vibration of the laser guidance system on drones weighing up to 5 kg. The development was named "Dronel".

According to the creators, in unmanned aerial vehicles laser guidance is one of the most common methods of target designation. In such technology, the laser beam illuminates the object, after which the equipment detects the reflected signal and is oriented to it. In such systems, the key problem is vibration, which causes the laser spot to scatter, reducing the accuracy of the targeting.

- In drone flight there are vibrations that are caused by wind, pressure differences, propellers, engines and many other factors. Usually, to compensate for them, complex gyroscopic complexes are used, which entails an increase in the mass and cost of the devices, as well as a decrease in flight range and maneuverability. In contrast to the described approaches, our group proposed methods of active vibration suppression, - told "Izvestia" project leader, a student of LFI MIPT Artem Pyankov.

He explained that the development includes a detector, fixing vibrations, and electromagnets that work in counter-phase and damp out the emerging pulses. Conventionally speaking, in the process of correction, the data from the detector goes to the control unit, from where a signal is fed to the electric actuators. They generate reverse pulses to compensate for the vibrations. As a result, the system holds the laser device in a fixed position.

According to the specialist, this design allows you to abandon a complex set of mechanical devices that help the guidance system to hold the stationary state. Therefore, its introduction will make it possible to reduce the weight of drones by 40-50%, which will increase the payload and flight range. It will also reduce the cost of manufacturing drones.

At present, the designer reported, a flight prototype of the stabilization system has been manufactured. It has been tested in the field. Testing was conducted on domestic UAVs of airplane type. The results showed that the application of the development reduces the laser spot by 20-30%.

Where high accuracy of drones is required

As Artem Pyankov specified, in addition to military topics, the proposed systems may be in demand in civilian projects. In particular, solutions for the use of aviation drones equipped with laser communication devices to organize communications in conditions where the use of traditional means is impossible. For example, during natural disasters, the rapid deployment of drone communications will help ensure coordination of rescue services.

According to the developer, another promising direction is measuring ice thickness from a drone using a laser beam. This will help ensure safe navigation and prevent ship accidents in the waters of the Northern Sea Route. Also, drones equipped with high-precision laser systems can be used to scan and analyze the condition of buildings, mines and other infrastructure objects.

- Laser target designation is used in many spheres, as the accuracy of such systems is an order of magnitude higher than those that operate in the radio range. This applies to any surveillance systems that are used from mobile carriers. For example, lasers play an important role in the complexes of automatic landing, range measurement, data transmission via optical channel and in other areas where high accuracy is important, - commented "Izvestia" editor-in-chief of the magazine "Vestnik GLONASS" Konstantin Kredenko.

The expert noted that the proposed developments, perhaps, in the future will find application in other devices where there is a high dependence on vibrations. For example, in unmanned cars. At the same time, reducing the weight of internal equipment is a task that is always important for flying equipment.

- In recent years, there has been significant progress in drone technology, which opens up new areas for their application. Including in the military field. Vibrations are one of the main problems that arise in this process. This is especially true for lightweight drones because of their mass. In addition, some artillery shells are equipped with laser homing systems," military expert Yuri Lyamin explained to Izvestia.

He emphasized that the scattering of the laser spot and inaccuracy of targeting can lead to the fact that the object will not be hit and the drone will die in vain, and the next chance to attack may not come soon enough. Therefore, a 20-30% improvement in targeting can significantly improve combat effectiveness.