The flight inspection industry has long faced recurring demands for further miniaturization of calibration equipment and, of course, for the identification of more efficient platforms that would help reduce costs and increase service availability. Unmanned technology, especially when combined with easy transport to the calibration site, is considered one of the most promising platforms of the future. Until now, calibration system providers have been hesitant to adopt large unmanned aircraft, primarily due to the lack of a clearly defined legal framework for their operation.
This changed when Primoco UAV modified its One 150 unmanned aircraft, with a maximum take-off weight of 150 kg, which is fully compliant with the latest EASA regulations for unmanned aircraft. The aircraft was equipped with onboard flight inspection equipment, a prototype of the UNIFIS 1000 kit, a set of antennas, and other special system components.
The Czech and Norwegian companies began testing at the Primoco airfield in Central Bohemia in 2020, with remote support from Norwegian company NSM. Following initial tests of VOR signal reception, a full-scale test focused on typical ILS landing patterns was planned. After detailed consultations, both companies successfully carried out the tests at Egilsstaðir Airport (BIEG) in Iceland in August 2021.
Mr. Ladislav Semetkovský, CEO of Primoco UAV SE, commented on the achievement as follows: “We are delighted to have found such a flexible and qualified partner as NSM. Since we recognize how much the mindset of the traditional manned-aircraft-based industry must change in order to accept unmanned aircraft, it was a real pleasure for us to see that NSM is the most forward-looking company in the sector. With largely remote support from the company, we carried out a full set of measurement flights in Iceland. With only one NSM representative on site, we clearly demonstrated that the measurement equipment can be operated effectively remotely, allowing calibration and inspection specialists to perform all the necessary work while only the UAV crew is present at the calibration location. Our unmanned aircraft also performed exceptionally well in strong wind conditions. Great thanks go to the Icelandic Transport Authority and ISAVIA, who provided us with incredible support beyond their obligations. It was a true pleasure to fly such innovative missions with the support of the local authorities. We look forward to completing the system and launching the commercial phase, which will also be linked to our Light Unmanned Aircraft Certificate, ensuring that our UAV and organization are fully compliant with the latest EU regulations to an unrivalled extent.”
With the rapid development of highly reliable unmanned aircraft with increasing payload capacity and endurance, the flight inspection community is beginning to explore possibilities for complementing conventional flight inspection methods. Thanks to decades of experience in flight inspection, Norwegian Special Mission is well positioned to develop a scaled-down version for unmanned aircraft. We call this product line UNIFIS 1000.
The UNIFIS 1000 system for unmanned aircraft is based on a specific payload for individual tasks, which are highly dependent on the payload capacity of the unmanned aircraft used. NSM is currently planning the development of the following UNIFIS 1000 variants: UNIFIS 1000-ILS, UNIFIS 1000-TCN, UNIFIS 1000-COM/NDB, and UNIFIS 1000-VGSI for PAPI/VASI and similar systems. The basic design philosophy is that UNIFIS 1000 must use proven avionics and positioning solutions to the greatest possible extent. This is the only way to ensure that data measured by an unmanned aircraft is comparable with data measured by a conventional aircraft and flight inspection system. The size and payload capacity of the Primoco One 150 UAV allow us to use the same equipment that we would install on conventional aircraft.
The tests in Iceland were carried out using the same avionics and antennas as those used by the King Air 200 aircraft of Iceland’s flight inspection service, operated by ISAVIA. In addition, the flight paths flown by the unmanned aircraft were identical to the profiles flown by the King Air, providing us with a unique dataset for comparing the similarity of measurements taken by a conventional aircraft with those taken by an unmanned aircraft. Data analysis indicates that the Primoco UAV One 150 with the UNIFIS 1000 system is a suitable and cost-effective platform for supplementing conventional flight inspection operations.
Mr. Erik Tøgersen, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at NSM, commented on the achievement as follows: “This is the result of two innovative companies joining forces with a common goal. The ILS tests carried out in Iceland are by far the most advanced study of the suitability of UAV-based flight inspection ever performed. After nearly 10 hours of flights in ILS profiles in the airspace around Egilsstaðir Airport, we would like to thank the Icelandic Civil Aviation Authority and ISAVIA for their excellent cooperation. NSM is very pleased with its cooperation with Primoco UAV SE, and we look forward to the next phase: providing world-class, cutting-edge UAV-based NAVAID calibration solutions.”
About Primoco UAV SE
The Czech company Primoco UAV develops and manufactures the One 150 civil and military unmanned aircraft. These aircraft are capable of flying fully autonomously according to programmed flight plans, including fully automatic take-off and landing. One of the aircraft’s key features is its exceptional endurance, allowing it to remain airborne continuously for more than 15 hours at a cruising speed of 100–150 km/h, representing a range of up to 2,000 km.
With a maximum take-off weight of 150 kg and a payload capacity of 30 kg, the One 150 can be used for a wide range of deployments in both civil and military operations. The company’s aircraft are currently used on three continents for inspections of pipelines and distribution networks in the energy sector, border and coastal security, fire monitoring, and search-and-rescue operations. Primoco UAV SE is a publicly traded company on the START market of the Prague Stock Exchange.
Contact: Jakub Fojtík, VP Business Development, fojtik@primocouav.com
About NSM
Norwegian Special Mission (NSM) is a provider of advanced airborne special mission solutions, including flight inspection, aerial surveillance, and remote sensing. NSM is based at Oslo Airport together with Sundt Air and Pegasus Helicopter. NSM designs and manufactures onboard systems in Norway, and these systems are installed in aircraft by NSM and its partners around the world. The NSM team has experience with more than 60 special mission installations on various aircraft worldwide.
NSM is committed to providing its customers with the best tailor-made solutions. Its core design is modern and proven, while NSM’s engineering team has the expertise and knowledge required to adapt each system to individual customer requirements. NSM has launched the second generation of its special mission management systems, the G2 series, which provides even greater flexibility and functionality for a wide range of aircraft and RPAS. Norwegian Special Mission is: “Big enough to be trusted, small enough to listen.”
Contact: Per Anders Johnsen, Regional Sales Director, paj@nsm.aero