The key objectives of the project are as follows:
Barnard Microsystems Limited (BML) is a SME based in the UK that is developing mid-sized (6m wingspan) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for use in civilian applications throughout the world:
In these missions, the RPA spends most of its time operating Beyond Line Of Sight, often in areas with no communications infrastructure. To maintain the legally mandated link between the Pilot-in-Command at the Remote Pilot Station and the RPA, a satellite data relay service must be used.
In the UASatCom IAP Feasibility Study, ESA Contract Number 4000103768, we identified the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband satellite data service as a suitable Command and Control data link between the RPS and the RPA. In the SURMON Demonstration Project 4000107665, we concluded that a phased array satcoms antenna that could fit within the wing of the RPA was required:
In this proposed 12 month ARTES 5.2 Feasibility Study, we aim to demonstrate the feasibility of:
Key issues
Expected Main Benefits:
Figure 1: diagrammatic view of the ESTARR system.
The architecture of the ESTARR system is as shown in the diagram above:
Project Plan:
We have broken the Project into 5 Work Packages:
Figure 2: outline of the ESTARR Work Plan.
Project Kick-Off
Project Baseline Design Review