HoverMast cam launches in 10 seconds
February 28, 2012
The HoverMast is a hovering surveillance machine that can be deployed in 10-15 seconds from a small vehicle such as an armored SUV
Image Gallery (3 images)The HoverMast is a hovering surveillance machine that can be deployed from a small vehicle such as an armored SUV. The machine, developed by Sky Sapience and currently at the prototype stage, can be deployed to an altitude of up to 50 meters (164 feet) within 10-15 seconds.
Because the machine is tethered, a hard-wired power connection allows the HoverMast to hover as long as there is fuel in the tank in the vehicle to which it's anchored. Cables also provide a data link to send live pictures back to the ground.
The machine is equipped with real time video cameras capable of both day and night-time surveillance, but it can carry an additional payload of 6-9 kg (13-20 pounds) which, according to sUAS News, might include additional sensors, radar, signals intelligence or even laser designators - potentially identifying targets for missiles or artillery.
"The classic application for the HoverMast is Border Protection," a Sky Sapience spokesperson told Gizmag. "We estimate the most common usage of the HoverMast will be with real time video camera capable of delivering day and night pictures to the user."
The HoverMast can be landed and stowed in 10-15 seconds and operates in maximum winds of 25 km/h (16 mph).
A prototype HoverMast is set to be demonstrated in April, with line production commencing before the end of the year.
Sources: Sky Sapience, sUAS News
James is a graduate of the Open University, with a B.Sc. in Technology and a Diploma in Design and Innovation. After a decade in building design engineering, he side-stepped into writing about green tech and the environment. When not clattering about the web, he listens to early 90s hip hop, writes bad haiku and ponders the merits of an English three-man seam attack. All articles by James Holloway
So if its tethered then why can't they make it electric and send power through the tether?
Denis Klanac29th February, 2012 @ 05:26 pm PST
re; Rt1583
I think it was Sony that recalled and discontinued a camcorder with infrared night-vision because it could look through some clothes. Last I heard with the right filter most digitals become infrared cameras. Lengthaning the exposures turn night into day.
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re; Denis Klanac
Reread second paragraph.
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I think that a kite-balloon would be more practical but the camera should be on a mast sticking up so it is the only thing to be exposed to the enemy's view.
Slowburn1st March, 2012 @ 12:19 am PST
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"We estimate the most common usage of the HoverMast will be with real time video camera capable of delivering day and night pictures to the user."
That's pretty ambitious. I don't know of any other camera that can do that.
Also, night time use may not be an issue but during the daytime this thing goes up and it is like a beacon screaming out your location.
Rt158329th February, 2012 @ 02:40 am PST