High Eye is a drone manufacturer based in Dordrecht, The Netherlands. In 2021 it launched the Airboxer VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a long-range drone with a single three-bladed rotor that quickly gained popularity in the market, due to its small size, lightweight design and ability to function in extreme conditions.
The Airboxer is a multifunctional ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) platform for all those difficult-to-reach locations, helped by a 3-4 hour operation and payload capacity to 7kg. The NATO STANAG 4738-compliant platform can be used for various tasks, from coastal and environmental control, through disaster management and border protection, to remote monitoring and power line inspection, among many others.
Challenges for developing UAVs
High Eye started with model helicopters in 1998 and then evolved into a specialist for unmanned helicopters. In developing reliable and safe control systems for the Airboxer VTOL UAV, the company encountered many challenges, to guarantee the aircraft can be safely and accurately controlled; each design iteration of the control system had to be throughly tested against the desired performance.
Another key requirement in developing the aircraft was its weight, which had to be minimal, to allow greater payload capacity and extended flight range, yet sufficiently strong to withstand the flight stresses. Finding the right balance between these demands whilst complying to NATO norms, such as STANAG 4738, are major challenges.
Complying to local regulations is another key challenge. The regulatory landscape in the unmanned aircraft industry is complex and difficult to navigate, which requires staying up to date on the latest rules and guidelines and continuously adapting and innovating.
We are working to obtain the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) right now, which is required for drone operations within the EU. This certificate allows us to assess the risks of our flights based on strict guidelines set by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Then, there are the technical challenges imposed by customer requirements, such as integrating specific payloads, which could be cameras, sensors, and more – all of which impact the aircraft’s weight and performance.
It took over eight years to develop the Airboxer and test it under the most extreme conditions on different continents: it was flewn over the Arctic Circle in Canada, in the desert of Abu Dhabi or over the sea in South Korea.
Drone connectors
We have been working with ODU for many years, using its AMC connector in our ground control station (GCS). This connector is highly valued and widely used in Dismounted Soldier Systems, because it is easy to handle and offers a robust break-away design, making it ideal for military and security power applications. The connector is also designed to withstand harsh conditions and has been tested to meet MIL-STD-810H standards.
Our GCS module is the central hub for all ground control equipment and is responsible for operating the flight control software and managing all telemetry communication. It communicates with the Airboxer, antenna systems and pilot control unit via Ethernet, so it requires a rugged, safe and reliable connector like the AMC. In fact, all high-quality VTOL UAVs require connectors that withstand the most extreme environments and function reliably – whether in scorching heat or super cold environments. The dependability of the system in these situations is crucial.
Key cooperation
The cooperation between High Eye and ODU is marked by several key features that set it apart, and customisation is one of them. Whether adapting connectors to fit specific requirements or developing bespoke payload capabilities, we are both committed to provide solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Both of our companies are constantly looking for ways to push the boundaries of possiblities and to develop new technologies that will help our customers achieve their goals. This focus on innovation is what sets our collaboration apart and will ensure we remain at the forefront of our respective industries.
By Joost de Ruiter, CEO and owner, High Eye
