Public Funding for Barnard Microsystems Limited

The AQUILA project will address through research and innovation a new lightweight and high capacity communication system that is secure and robust designed for the low cost Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA) market, propose new protocols for wireless enabled systems and connectivity for in-flight operations acquisition of aircraft data using AQUILA to improve safety related systems and reliability of RPA auto-pilot for operations in not just non-segregated airspace but all airspace. AQUILA is targeted at higher volume medium size RPAs where the growth is forecast to be the largest with this research and innovation.

We are developing Remotely Piloted Aircraft ("RPA") for use in scientific (ice thickness monitoring), commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of RPA, operating Beyond Line Of Sight ("BLOS"), is the deployment of an effective collision detection sensor, combined with an airborne collision avoidance capability. This is an essential requirement to anable RPA to operate BLOS in un-segregated air space. It has also been a requirement of our potential RPA service customers, including companies engaged in oil and gas exploration and oil pipeline monitoring activities, and in land and maritime border patrols. Technical progress has been slow for a number of reasons. We plan to develop and characterise an electro-optic sensor based on the use of two high resolution, thermal imaging cameras in a stereo vision configuration augmented by a linear electromagnetic imaging array to enable the detection, ranging and tracking of airborne objects (a) during day and night, (b) in cloud and (c) approaching from the sun. We will combine this technology with ongoing developments in international RPA regulations.

We are developing Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration and oil pipeline monitoring) and state (border patrol and the management of disaster relief efforts) applications. The aim of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of software using 3D computer game technology to process, integrate and display a stream of multi-sensor data from RPA in real time: • high-resolution (6kp x 4kp) digital and video (4K) cameras • thermal imaging (640p x 480p) camera • scanning LIDAR rangefinder • electromagnetic imaging sensor, capable of imaging through foliage and beneath the surface of the Earth • 3 axis precision magnetometer This 12 month Proof of Concept (“PoC”) project is a follow on from our UASA Proof of Market Project 700280, in which we confirmed the market for electromagnetic imaging from a RPA. In this "Big Data" application, the software will process data from sensors on airborne platforms, to automatically generate and update a 3D view of the terrain. The software will have Internet connectivity to enable the evolving 3D representation to be viewed in the same way as players in an online computer game monitor developments. To increase the market size, this software could also be used as 3D CAD software. One could create an object using a standard 3D CAD approach, such as extrusion of a 2D design, to create other objects. As players do in an online computer game, people could work together, from home, on the 3D design. The economic benefits will stem from the provision of managed services to the oil, gas and mineral exploration companies and from the sale of copies of the software for use in both civilian and in military applications. Societal benefits include contributing to environmental protection by the early detection of oil leaks using fuel-efficient RPA and furthering the search for natural resources.

This Proof of Concept ("PoC") project is a follow on from our RPASatComs Proof of Market ("PoM") Project 700335, in which we confirmed the market for an antenna with an electronically steerable beam, embedded in the wing of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft ("RPA"), as part of a satellite communications ("satcoms") terminal. We are developing RPA for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration and production) and state (border patrol) applications. Many of these applications require the operation of the RPA Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) in areas with little, or no, telecommunications infrastructure. The International Civil Aviation Organisation, known as ICAO, is drawing up regulations governing the operation of RPA and has coined the phrase "Remotely Piloted Aircraft System" to emphasise the human responsibility for the RPA at all times. To enable RPA to fly BLOS in a remote area requires the use of an on-board satcoms terminal. The use of satcoms on a RPA has also been a requirement of our potential customers, including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics (the largest geophysical survey companies in the world) and oil, gas and mining exploration and production companies. The shortcomings we have identified using the lightest airborne satellite data terminal known to us is the high cost, the aerodynamic drag and the use of an omni-directional antenna that introduces electronic interference in nearby antennas mounted on the RPA. In this project, we propose the design, development and characterisation of a prototype antenna array mounted in one of the removable wings of our Inview RPA. We will use data from the on-board Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to control the phase and time delay of the master reference signal to each of the elements in the antenna array to ensure the resultant beam always points towards the geostationary Inmarsat data relay satellite, regardless of RPA attitude and bearing.

This Proof of Concept ("PoC") project is a follow on from our UARAD Proof of Market ("PoM") Project 700298, in which we confirmed the market for this sensor. In this project, we propose the design, development and characterisation of an all weather airborne object collision detection sensor for use on unmanned aircraft ("UA"). We are developing UA for use throughout the world in oil and mineral exploration and border patrol applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of UA operating Beyond Line Of Sight ("BLOS") is the deployment of a collision detection sensor. This is required by our potential UA customers. We plan to develop and demonstrate a technology that augments the capabilities of a stereo vision sensor, to enable the detection of airborne objects, such as other aircraft, balloons and birds, (a) at night, (b) in the clouds and (c) approaching from the sun. Our idea is to embed a microwave transmitter ("Tx") module in the nose of the UA together with a linear array of microwave receiver ("Rx") modules within the leading edge of the wings of the UA to form a linear electromagnetic imaging sensor. We will also use the same Tx and Rx modules on a rotating platform on the underside of the UA to provide a 360° detection coverage. These two microwave sensors form the ACTION sensor. Once this sensor has been proven on UA, Cliff Whittaker at the Civil Aviation Authority suggested that it could be used on light aircraft, so contributing to the safety of manned aviation. An environmental benefit would be that UA create less pollution per km flown than their manned counterparts. We will use inexpensive components developed for the cell phone industry to keep the ACTION sensor cost to less than £16,680. BML is engaged with oil, gas and mineral exploration companies that have the means to pay for this technology and the incentive to support the exploitation of this work.

The objective of the project is to study the feasibility of manufacturing electronic and photonic components, which will be embedded within the outer skin of the wing of an unmanned aircraft ("UA"). UA are used in oil, gas and mineral exploration activities and need to be able to operate in hostile climatic conditions, including the extreme cold of the Arctic, the high humidy in the jungle in the Niger Delta and the extreme heat in the desert regions of North Africa. We plan to embed distributed planar antennas, interconnecting microwave transmission lines and optical fibres, together with a network of sensors, within the multi-layer (consisting of epoxy resin bonded layers of carbon fibre cross weave cloth and glass fibre cloth) skin to form a "smart wing." The embedded sensor network will be used to monitor the state of the wing. The embedded antenna array will be used for 3D electromagnetic imaging of the underlying terrain, without degrading the aerodynamic properties of the wing. This technology will open a new remote survey capability in exploration, and enable an improved detection performance in land and maritime border patrol and in search and rescue activities.

We are developing Remotely Piloted Aircraft for use in commercial applications. In this Feasibility Study we plan to demonstrate a new user experience to better enable a remote pilot on the ground to manually control the landing of the RPA. The manual option is often used in an emergency situation. We urgently need to improve the situational awareness of the remote pilot on the ground. The technical challenge involves the demonstration of a new software user experience involving the use by the remote pilot on the ground of head-up display type glasses in which graphics and text can be superimposed on the view of the pilot, together with headphones in which computer-generated speech can be superimposed on surrounding sounds. The overall aim is to demonstrate the augmentation of the surrounding visual and aural reality by superimposing computer-generated symbols and sounds to increase situational awareness.

We are developing Remotely Piloted Aircraft ("RPA") for use in scientific (ice thickness monitoring), commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of RPA, operating Beyond Visual Line Of Sight ("BVLOS"), is the deployment of an effective, all weather, collision detection system, combined with an airborne collision avoidance capability. This is a requirement that has been raised at many RPA conferences and is top of the list of technology challenges noted by the European Defence Agency . It has also been a requirement of our potential RPA customers, including companies engaged in oil and gas exploration and production activities. Development of a solution has been very slow due to shrinking R&D budgets. We have already demonstrated in prototype form a collision detection system based on the use of two cameras in a stereo imaging configuration. However, this solution can only be used on a clear day under Visual Flight Rules. We plan to explore the market for, and commercial viability of, a novel approach in which we use a small RADAR unit, based on an enhancement to a relatively inexpensive and lightweight maritime (yacht) scanning RADAR unit, to augment a stereo vision system, to enable the detection of airborne objects (a) at night, (b) in cloud and (c) approaching from the sun. Initially we thought the use of a yacht RADAR unit might not be permitted on an airborne platform. However, we have noticed that the US Federal Aviation Authority has authorised the use of this very type of RADAR as an "Avian RADAR" at US airports, to detect birds at up to 2 km. There is currently a rapidly growing interest in the use of RPA in civilian applications throughout the world. Apart from their application in "dull, dirty and dangerous" operations, a societal benefit will be environmental, since RPA use less fuel than their manned counterparts per kilometre travelled.

We are developing small (4 m wingspan) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration and production) and state (border patrol) applications. Many of these applications require the operation of the RPA Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) in areas with little, or no, telecommunications infrastructure. The International Civil Aviation Organisation, known as ICAO, is drawing up regulations governing the operation of RPA and has coined the phrase "Remotely Piloted Aircraft System" to emphasise the human responsibility for the RPA at all times. To enable RPA to fly BLOS in a remote area requires the use of satellite communications (satcoms). The use of satcoms on a RPA has also been a requirement of our potential customers, including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics (the largest geophysical survey companies in the world) and oil, gas and mining exploration and production companies. The serious shortcomings we have identified using the lightest airborne satellite data terminal known to us is the heavy weight (3.8 kg), the high cost (around $50,000) and the necessary use of an omnidirectional antenna, that introduces electronic interference in nearby antennas mounted on the RPA. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market and the financial and technical feasibility of developing a lighter and more affordable solution, based on the use of a terrestrial satellite data terminal mounted on a computer controlled gimbal, to ensure the satcoms terminal antenna, with a 14° beam width, always points towards the geostationary satellite. Our aim, should the market analysis be positive, would be to develop this enabling technology for autonomous systems operating BLOS, to support bidirectional data communications between the RPA and the Ground Control Station (GCS). Another benefit will be environmental, since RPA use less fuel than their manned counterparts per kilometre travelled.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration and production) and state (border patrol) applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of UA operating beyond line of sight is the development of an effective collision detection sensor. This is a requirement that has been voiced at every UA conference I have attended. It has also been a requirement of our potential customers, including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics (the largest and second largest geophysical survey companies in the world) and oil, gas and mining exploration and production companies. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market and the financial and technical feasibility of developing an airborne collision detection sensor, based on the use of a lightweight marine RADAR unit. The shortcoming we have identified with the sole reliance on stereo vision for use in airborne collision detection is associated with the detection of aircraft flying "out of the sun". The US Federal Aviation Authority has allowed the use of a marine RADAR unit in the national airspace, so removing some of the concerns about the use of this type of low-power RADAR unit in a terrestrial application. Our aim, should the market analysis be positive, would be to develop and use this system on UA that fly beyond line of sight, to enable the aircraft to detect and avoid airborne objects, such as other aircraft, balloons and parachutists. Once proven, it was suggested by Cliff Whittaker at the Civil Aviation Authority, this sensor could find wider application on light aircraft, so contributing to the safety of air travel and enabling us to build up a world leading export business in this area in the U.K. Another benefit will be environmental, since UA use less fuel than their manned counterparts per kilometre travelled

The aim of this 6 month Proof of Market project is to investigate the commercial feasibility of a miniature sensor,using electromagnetic signals and synthetic aperture data processing, to image underlying terrain in any weather conditions, in real time, from an unmanned aircraft (UA). The key features of this UASA sensor are: • range up to 1 km with a resolution of < 1m • output peak power < 250 Watts in which GaN transistors are used to minimise the electrical power requirement • weight < 2 kg so several units can be carried on one UA • operating centre frequency < 2.5 GHz, so high performance and low cost WLAN RF components can be used • data processing in real time, using energy efficient processors such as the SnapDragon S4 CPU, used in smartphones Direct user pressure for this type of sensor has come from staff at Shell Exploration HQ in Rijswijk in the Netherlands, Statoil in Norway and ENI in Italy. This sensor can also be used in interferometric mode (I-MODE) to detect differences between two or more successive scans. In addition to all weather imaging in real time for navigation purposes, the UASA sensor could be used in the detection of: • vehicles and people in a pipeline Right of Way • an oil slick at sea, or on the ground (I-MODE) • subsidence near an oil well, as a result of pumping oil from an underground oil reservoir (I-MODE) • tracks near an oil pipeline (I-MODE) We will explore ways in which we could work with universities in the UK and with other companies with relevant expertise in the processing of the measured data. This sensor will find use in oil, gas and mineral exploration work, representing the business oriented aspect of this work. Societal benefits include the detection of oil spills in real time, enabling remedial measures to implemented. The economic benefits will stem from both our use of this sensor and sales of the sensor for use in exploration and monitoring work and in military applications.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

The aim of this technology inspired innovation is to develop the software and hardware to enable the demonstration of a swarm of robotic airborne sensor platforms (RASPs) capable of performing tasks quickly, autonomously and far less expensively than is possible with a single sensor platform, or, performing tasks that cannot otherwise be accomplished using a single sensor platform, making full use of wireless connectivity and synchronised, precision, timing, e.g. in a flying distributed antenna. We have multiple User Requirements for this technology. Stephan Sander, President of Sander Geophysics Limited, stated that the dominant costs of a geophysical survey are the number of people involved in the survey and time those people spend in the field. Deployment of a RASP swarm rather than a single RASP achieves the economies of scale much like a train driver does when driving a train, as opposed to having many buses and needing to pay many bus drivers.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. In our discussions with staff at oil and gas exploration and production companies such as Shell, BP, Statoil and ENI, we have noticed a growing interest in the use of UA in geomagnetic surveys. To measure the lateral gradient in the Earth's magnetic field, a precision Caesium Beam Magnetometer (CBM) is mounted at the end of each wing tip on a UA. To measure the gradient in all three axes, at least four of these expensive (£13,200 each) CBMs are necessary. According to Stephan Sander, the President of Sander Geophysics Ltd, a well-known airborne survey company, the cost of a geomagnetic survey is dictated primarily by the number of days the crew spends at the survey site and how many people are in the crew. If we were to use a swarm of UA in place of a single manned aircraft to perform a geomagnetic survey, the survey would be performed in a fraction of the time. The use of low cost, high performance, CBMs on each UA in a swarm would introduce a significant cost reduction. Recent work at the N.I.S.T. in the USA has resulted in the realisation of a small, 12 cc CBM. Work at universities has investigated the use of silicon MEMS technology and semiconductor lasers to achieve further reductions in size and electrical power dissipation. We aim to introduce energy efficient processors and an Inertial Measurement Unit to enable us to apply a physics based approach to the processing of the measured Larmor signal, to increase the accuracy of the measurements made. We see an opportunity to develop, manufacture and deploy miniature CBMs on a swarm of UA for use in cost-effective geomagnetic survey applications. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market, quantify the returns on investment and define the next steps to exploit this opportunity.

This Proof of Concept (“PoC”) project is a follow on from our AGPI Proof of Market Project 700136, in which we confirmed the market for this sensor. The aim of this 12 month project is to prove the technical feasibility of a sensor to image 3D sub-surface structures from an aircraft, using a pulsed frequency chirped radio signal, transmitted from an antenna at each wing tip. This is like a repetitive flash illumination of the underlying terrain using wing tip mounted strobe lights, except that the signals pass through the underlying ground or ice to a depth dependent on the conductivity of the soil, or ice, enabling the imaging of sub-surface features. The reflected signals from dielectric discontinuities, such as rocks, are detected by a co-linear array of antennas mounted under each wing. As the aircraft flies along, the signals detected by each antenna in each antenna array are digitised and recorded for subsequent data processing. The data from each antenna is processed to form a 3D image of the sub-surface features, much like an acoustic seismic survey but using an aircraft, rather than a team of people carrying seismic sensors, to achieve a far larger survey coverage per day, regardless of the harshness of the terrain. We plan to develop the sensor data processing software and then perform microwave reflection measurements, to get data for use in our software. Finally, we plan to build and attach a prototype AGPI sensor to an unmanned aircraft and get and process the experimental data to create a 3D sub-surface image. The economic benefits will stem from the provision of exploration services to the oil, gas and mineral exploration companies and from the sale of unmanned aircraft, fitted with the AGPI sensor, for use in both civilian and in military applications. Societal benefits include contributing to measurements of melting ice in Antarctica and furthering the search for natural resources. This project

This Proof of Concept (“PoC”) project is a follow on from our Proof of Market ("PoM") project 700092, in which we studied and confirmed the market for this sensor. In this technology demonstration project, we intend to prove the effectiveness of an innovative approach to airborne object collision detection, in real time. We are developing unmanned aircraft ("UA") for use throughout the world in scientific (ice thickness monitoring), commercial (oil and mineral exploration) and state (border patrol) applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of UA operating beyond line of sight ("BLOS") is the deployment of a collision detection sensor. This is an essential requirement that has been voiced at every UA conference for the last four years. It has also been a requirement of our potential UA customers, including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics (airborne geophysical surveys), oil and gas exploration companies, such as Statoil and Shell and Government bodies, such as DSTL. We propose to develop and characterise a prototype airborne collision detection sensor, based on the use of two synchronised cameras operating as a stereo imaging pair, to mimic human vision. We plan to introduce additional innovative enhancements to the stereo vision technology with polarisation sensitive imagery, which has the potential to see through some level of cloud cover. We will augment the detection capability with an acoustic detector array. Our aim is to deploy this sensor on UA that fly BLOS, to detect airborne objects, such as other aircraft, balloons and parachutists. Once proven, it was suggested by Cliff Whittaker at the Civil Aviation Authority, this sensor could find wider application on light aircraft, so contributing to the safety of air travel and enabling us to build up a world leading export business in this area in the U.K. Another benefit will be environmental, since UA use less fuel per km flown than their manned counterparts.

We are developing unmanned aircraft for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial and state applications. Oil production involves the monitoring of oil pipelines to detect leaks. Disasters include wide scale flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes and bush fires. This Study is about the feasibility of developing innovative software, based on multiplayer computer gaming graphics technology and Internet connectivity. It will make use of still and video imagery, typically but not necessarily, from airborne and land based platforms, automatically to generate and update a real time 3D view of the terrain. The evolving 3D representation can be viewed by interested parties in much the same way as players in an online computer game monitor developments To increase the market size, this software could be used as collaborative 3D Computer Aided Design software.

The aim of this 6 month Proof of Market project is to investigate the commercial feasibility of a sensor to image a 3D sub-surface structure from an aircraft, using either a frequency chirped, or an Ultra-Wideband Impulse radio signal, that is transmitted from an antenna mounted on each wing tip of an aircraft. This is analogous to the illumination of the underlying terrain using two searchlights, except that the signals pass through the underlying ground, to a depth depending on the conductivity of the soil, or ice, enabling the detection of sub-surface features. The reflected signals from dielectric discontinuities, such as rocks, are detected by two linear phase sensitive arrays of antennas, mounted on the underside of the wings. As the aircraft flies along, a 2D array of reflected signals is digitised and recorded for subsequent data processing. This is like performing an acoustic seismic survey but using an aircraft rather than a "vibroseis" truck, or a team of people carrying the seismic sensors, to achieve a far larger coverage per survey day, regardless of the harshness of the terrain. We will explore ways in which we could subsequently work with Dr Hugh Corr at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), to enable the 3D profiling of the ice in the Antarctic, which can be up to 5 km in depth. In a follow on activity to this project, we would use our experience in microwave imaging and the BAS experience with a Ground Penetrating RADAR, to develop a prototype sensor and the associated data processing software. This sensor will find use in oil, gas and mineral exploration work, representing the business oriented aspect of this work. Societal benefits include contributing to measurements of melting ice in Antarctica and furthering the search for oil and minerals. The economic benefits will stem from sales of this sensor, which will be attached to the underside of the wings of our InView unmanned aircraft, for use in exploration work and in military applications.

This Proof of Concept Application is a follow on from our successful INMARA Feasibility Study 130597. We are developing small unmanned aircraft for use throughout the world in scientific (ash cloud monitoring), commercial (oil and mineral exploration and production) and state (land and maritime border patrol) applications. Our aim is to provide each unmanned aircraft with some of the intelligence of a bird, so that it flies predictably and safely, avoiding other aircraft. It then either returns to base, or lands in a suitable location, if the early onset of system failure is detected, so avoiding a costly crash and its detrimental impact on the business case. In geophysical survey work, the cost of the sensors and the satellite communications unit on the aircraft can exceed $200,000. We propose to build and test prototype hardware and software that will perform Intelligent Machine Reasoning and Action and adaptive flight control, on our existing InView unmanned aircraft, in real time, to prove our concept. The system will continuously monitor the state of the aircraft and the external environment and detect and diagnose performance degradation and faults. It will decide on the action to take to ensure predictable behaviour and the best execution of the mission objectives, in the face of changing system status and a dynamic external environment. This Proof of Concept work will help us to build a world leading aerospace business in the U.K. based on the design, manufacture and export of unmanned aircraft systems and related services to oil and mineral rich countries. The societal benefits of this work include the prospect of increased safety of small unmanned aircraft and the reduced environmental impact associated with their operation, since small unmanned aircraft use less fuel per km flown than their manned counterparts. This demanding and dramatic Proof of Concept will be generally applicable to a wide variety of ground, sea and air based robotic vehicles.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft for use throughout the world in scientific, commercial (oil and mineral exploration and production) and state (border patrol and management of disaster relief efforts) applications. Oil production involves the monitoring of oil pipelines to detect leaks. Disasters include wide scale flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes and bush fires. This proposed Proof of Market Project is about the market opportunities for and the feasibility of developing innovative software based on multiplayer computer gaming graphics technology and Internet connectivity. It will make use of still and video imagery, typically but not necessarily, from airborne and land based platforms, to automatically generate and update a real time 3D view of the terrain. The evolving 3D representation can be viewed by interested parties in much the same way as players in an online computer game monitor developments. For example, if there were a flood affecting a large built up area, aircraft crisscross the flooded area. Each aircraft would periodically beam down a high resolution photograph. The FullView software would use each new image to create, or update, a 3D view of the flood area. This live 3D view could be accessed via the Internet by the police, the fire brigade and the ambulance service, contributing to the management of rescue efforts. To increase the market size, this software could also be used as 3D CAD software. One could create an object using photographs from different angles of the object and also use a standard 3D CAD approach, such as extrusion of a 2D design, to create other objects. As players do in an online computer game, people could work together, from home, on the 3D design. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market and the financial and technical feasibility of developing this software, based on our 24 year experience with the development and international marketing of our WaveMaker microwave circuit layout software.

We are developing small unmanned aircraft for use throughout the world in scientific (ash cloud monitoring), commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration and production) and state (land and maritime border patrol) applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of unmanned aircraft operating beyond line of sight is the development of an effective collision detection sensor. This is an essential requirement that has been voiced at every unmanned vehicle conference I have attended. It has also been a requirement of our potential customers, including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics Limited (the largest and second largest geophysical survey companies in the world, both based in Canada) for Government agencies and oil, gas and mining exploration and production companies. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market and the financial and technical feasibility of developing an airborne collision detection sensor, based on the use of two synchronised cameras operating as a stereo imaging pair, to mimic fish, bird and human vision. We plan to introduce additional innovative enhancements to the stereo vision technology with polarisation sensitive imagery, something fish use to see more clearly though underwater haze, which has the potential to see through some level of cloud cover. Our aim, should the market analysis be positive, would be to develop, test and use this system on unmanned aircraft that fly beyond line of sight, to enable the aircraft to detect and avoid airborne objects, such as other aircraft, balloons and parachutists. Once proven, it was suggested by Cliff Whittaker at the Civil Aviation Authority, this sensor could find wider application on light aircraft, so contributing to the safety of air travel and enabling us to build up a world leading export business in this area in the U.K. Another benefit will be environmental, since small unmanned aircraft use less fuel than their manned counterparts.

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