Brock Technologies’ HAVOC UAS Bridges Gap Between Capability and Affordability
The awaited maiden flight of Brock Technologies’ Inc, HAVOC Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), has arrived. On 24 OCT, 2011 the HAVOC took flight and by doing so instantly bridged the gap between affordability and capability.
Designed and built by Brock Technologies Inc, the HAVOC was developed under a series of Air Force SBIR contracts (FA9451-09-M-0043 and FA9451-10-C-0010). The twin boom, pusher 2-stroke engine platform was intended to provide users with a robust modular UAS capable of long endurance flights while carrying an assortment of payloads. Throughout the week of 24 OCT, 2011, Brock Technologies flew 2 platforms with a variety of payloads. Swapping integrated forward payload bays between flights, HAVOC successfully demonstrated video data transmission to the ground station, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communications, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) functionality, and vehicle identification through a mode C transponder and blind encoder.
The second series of flight tests is to take place in November. “This was only the first set of flight tests for the HAVOC. We are using a build-up approach and intend on demonstrating more capabilities and longer endurance next month.” said Keith Brock, Chief Engineer of the HAVOC. Though this series of tests was not aimed at demonstrating endurance, the HAVOC still posted a 2.5 hour flight, while carrying approximately 6 pounds of payload, all while changing altitude and airspeeds aggressively.
Built using advanced composite construction, the radio frequency transparent HAVOC airframe structure offers multiple internal antenna placement locations that enable increased endurance and payload capability. With 1000 watts of power provided by the onboard generator at its disposal the HAVOC can host a variety of payloads in either the forward or aft payload bay. The tails are also hollow and offer additional space for payload integration. Variable launch and recovery options continue to illustrate the systems modularity. The current prototypes have demonstrated successful rolling take-offs and landings. Future renditions will validate additional launch and recovery methods such as catapult launching and belly skid landing.
Perhaps the most intriguing characteristic of the system is its cost. “HAVOC is tailored to the user” states Brock Technologies President Jessica Brock. “Ordering one is like building your own computer from a website. For example, the manufacturing techniques allow a user to choose either two separate payload bays or a combined single bay” she added. The HAVOC system comes complete with a portable ground control station, autopilot, and a launch and recovery system at a fraction of the cost of other platforms.
For more information regarding this system and other success stories at Brock Technologies visit www.brocktechnologies.com and click on Company Information/Latest News or call (520) 790-5484.
