Drones

Recharge station gives SkyX drones potentially unlimited range

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SkyX's xStation is a recharging platform for the long-range SkyOne UAV
David Cooper
SkyX plans to install its first xStations for clients in July
Scott Simmie/SkyX
The clamshell design of the xStation will open automatically as the SkyOne approaches, and close over the top after it lands, to protect the UAV from the elements
Scott Simmie/SkyX
When the SkyOne UAV begins to run out of juice, an algorithm guides it to the nearest xStation to recharge, saving it the trouble of returning to its home base
David Cooper
One half of the canopy roof is lowered into place, during installation of the first xStation in May
Scott Simmie/SkyX
SkyX's SkyOne UAV has a range of 100 km (62 miles), and by dotting xStations along a well-traveled route, that could be extended almost indefinitely
SkyX
SkyX's xStation is a recharging platform for the long-range SkyOne UAV
David Cooper
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have found plenty of use in industrial applications, buzzing around to inspect crops, buildings or other structures. That's fine if they're flying around a facility or a farm, but these drones could also be useful for monitoring long-range infrastructure, like railroads or gas pipes, if they weren't limited by battery life. Now SkyX has installed its first xStation, a recharging dock that can be placed periodically along a route to extend the range of its drones almost indefinitely.

The system is designed to work with the company's SkyOne UAV, an autonomous hybrid aircraft that takes off vertically before leveling out into fixed-wing flight. Currently, the SkyOne has a range of about 100 km (62 miles), but in a long-range application like inspecting pipes, it might be effectively only making use of half that distance, before it has to turn around and go home to recharge.

SkyX's SkyOne UAV has a range of 100 km (62 miles), and by dotting xStations along a well-traveled route, that could be extended almost indefinitely
SkyX

To wring the most out of the SkyOne, the xStation can be installed at specific points along a well-traveled route, to top up the drone as required. When the SkyOne begins to run out of juice, an algorithm helps it find the nearest recharge station. Once there, it touches down onto the platform to charge, while the xStation's clamshell-style roof closes around it to protect the drone from the elements. When it's ready to go again, the drone will perform a complete systems check before continuing on its way.

By dotting xStations all along a route as required, SkyX's system could essentially increase the range of its SkyOne UAVs as far as it needs to go. With this test successful, the company is planning to install the first xStations for clients in July.

SkyX demonstrates the xStation in the video below.

Source: SkyX

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1 comment
MQ
While technically possible (and not too difficult to do) the real hurdle is regulatory... not the first, and definitely not the last.
How do the UA's deal with other air traffic??