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Gatewing X100UAS User Manual

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X100 SYSTEM MANUAL
X100 UAS

Table of Contents

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Gatewing X100UAS Specifications

General IconGeneral
Wingspan100 cm
Endurance45 minutes
Camera16MP Panasonic Lumix
CategoryUAV
TypeFixed Wing
BatteryLithium-polymer (LiPo)

Summary

1 TERMS AND CONVENTIONS

1.1 Copyright

Copyright information and usage restrictions for the document.

1.2 Notation of numbers

Explains the format for numbers and decimals used in the manual.

1.3 Units

Details the general and aviation units used within the manual.

1.4 Conversion table

Provides a table of common conversion factors for measurements.

2 X100

2.1 General

General overview of the X100 system, including UAS and ICAO elements.

2.1.1 UAS

Defines Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and its components.

2.1.2 Autonomous trajectory control

Explains the aircraft's preprogrammed flight path and minimal human intervention.

2.1.3 Image acquisition

Details how pictures are acquired and their applications.

2.1.4 GCS

Defines a Ground Control Station (GCS) and its role with the X100.

3 X100 PARTS

3.1 X100

Lists the items included in the X100 case.

3.2 X100 body zones

Identifies and illustrates the different zones of the X100 body.

3.3 X100 construction

Details the materials, composition, and load capacity of the X100.

3.4 X100 body parts

Details specific parts of the X100 body.

3.4.1 eBox bay parts

Lists and illustrates components within the eBox bay.

3.4.2 Elevon servo bay parts

Details components of the elevon servo bay.

3.4.3 Payload bay

Lists components found within the payload bay.

3.4.4 Pitot bay parts

Details components of the pitot bay.

3.4.5 Launcher slat parts

Lists components of the launcher slat.

3.5 Download cable

Describes the download cable and its connectors.

3.6 Check the X100 body

Instructions for checking the condition of the X100 body.

3.7 Check the pitot tube

Procedure for checking the pitot tube for proper condition and blockages.

3.8 Check the wingtips

Instructions on how to check if the wingtips are securely attached.

3.9 Check the elevons and elevon servos

Guidance on checking the elevons and their servo connections for damage.

3.10 Check the elevon response

Procedure to verify the proper movement and response of the elevons.

4 OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS

4.1 ISA conditions

Details the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) and X100 operating conditions.

4.2 X100 specifications

Lists the power, angles, altitudes, speeds, and dimensions of the X100.

4.2.1 Power

Lists the power specifications, including battery type and usage time.

4.2.2 Angles

Details the various angle specifications for the X100.

4.2.3 Altitudes

Lists the altitude specifications for the X100.

4.2.4 Speeds

Specifies the different speed parameters of the X100.

4.2.5 Dimensions

Provides the physical dimensions and weight of the X100.

4.3 Gatewing modem specifications

Details the specifications for the Gatewing modem.

5 OPERATING LIMITATIONS

5.1 Operating Limitations

Outlines the system's operational limits and maximal flight conditions.

5.2 Image acquisition limitations

Specifies the weather conditions that ensure good picture quality during acquisition.

6 FLIGHT BEHAVIOR

6.1 Phases of a flight

Describes the typical phases a flight consists of.

6.2 Launch and take-off

Details the procedures for launching and taking off the X100.

6.3 Climb

Explains the climbing phase of the flight and necessary checks.

6.4 Cruise flight

Covers the cruise flight phase, including optimal settings and crosswind effects.

6.4.1 Crab angle

Defines crab angle and its impact on flight stability and image acquisition.

6.4.2 Air pressure during cruise flight

Explains the effect of air pressure changes on flight height and picture offset.

6.5 Descent

Describes the descent phase and the spiraling maneuver for landing.

6.6 Landing

Details the landing circuit and procedures.

6.6.1 Landing circuit

Explains the left and right hand landing circuits the aircraft follows.

6.6.2 Gliding number

Defines the gliding number and its implications for landing distance.

6.6.3 Air pressure during landing

Explains how air pressure changes affect landing and picture offset.

6.6.4 Landing above the launching elevation

Discusses consequences of defining a landing point higher than launch elevation.

6.6.5 Landing below the launching elevation

Discusses consequences of defining a landing point lower than launch elevation.

6.6.6 Ground effect

Explains the phenomenon of ground effect on aircraft lift and drag.

7 CAMERA

7.1 Camera parts

Identifies and illustrates the parts of the Ricoh camera.

7.2 Camera specifications

Lists the technical specifications of the Ricoh camera.

7.3 Assemble the camera

Step-by-step guide to assembling the Ricoh camera for flight.

7.4 Set up the camera

Instructions for configuring camera settings like key addressing and auto power off.

8 EBOX

8.1 eBox parts

Identifies and illustrates the different parts of the eBox.

8.2 Mount an eBox in the X100

Procedure for correctly mounting the eBox into the X100 body.

8.3 Remove an eBox from the X100

Procedure for safely removing the eBox from the X100.

8.4 eBox modes

Illustrates and explains the different operational modes of the eBox.

8.5 Put the X100 in STANDBY mode

Steps to put the X100 into STANDBY mode.

8.6 Put the X100 in ON mode

Steps to transition the X100 into ON mode.

8.7 Put the X100 in ARMED mode

Procedure to arm the X100, preparing it for launch.

8.8 Make the X100 return to STANDBY mode

Instructions to return the X100 from other modes to STANDBY.

8.9 Perform a POWER CYCLE on the X100

Steps to perform a power cycle for reinitialization.

8.10 Put the X100 in DOWNLOAD mode

Procedure to put the X100 into DOWNLOAD mode for data retrieval.

8.11 Put the X100 in OFF mode

Steps to safely switch off the X100.

8.12 Make the X100 exit ERROR mode

Procedure to reset the X100 and exit ERROR mode.

9 ANTENNAS

9.1 Antenna types

Identifies the data link and GPS antennas screwed onto the eBox.

9.2 Screw the GPS antenna on the eBox

Instructions for attaching the GPS antenna to the eBox.

9.3 Screw the data link antenna on the eBox

Instructions for attaching the data link antenna to the eBox.

10 MOTOR

10.1 Motor parts

Identifies the components of the X100 motor.

10.2 To check the propeller

Procedure for checking the condition of the propeller blades and nose.

10.3 To replace the propeller blades

Step-by-step guide for replacing the propeller blades.

10.4 Check the position of the propeller blades

How to check the correct backward positioning of propeller blades for launch.

11 LAUNCHER

11.1 X100 launcher

Lists the parts of the X100 launcher.

11.1.1 Launch slide parts

Identifies the components of the launch slide.

11.1.2 X100 launcher bag

Details the parts and compartments of the X100 launcher bag.

11.2 Assemble the launcher

Step-by-step guide to assembling the X100 launcher.

11.3 Disassemble the launcher

Step-by-step guide for disassembling the launcher.

11.4 Mount the X100 on the launcher

Procedure for correctly mounting the X100 onto the assembled launcher.

11.5 Check the pitch and roll position of the X100

How to check the X100's pitch and roll orientation for a successful launch.

11.6 Remove the safety pin from the launcher

Final step before launch: removing the safety pin from the launcher.

11.7 Launch the X100

The final procedure to launch the X100.

12 BATTERY

12.1 Battery parts

Identifies the main power and balancer connectors of the battery.

12.2 Battery specifications

Lists the technical specifications of the X100 battery.

12.3 Battery charger

Introduces the Graupner Ultramat 14 plus charger and its manual.

12.4 Battery charger parts

Identifies the components of the Graupner Ultramat 14 plus charger.

12.5 Power on the battery charger

Instructions on how to power on the battery charger.

12.6 Battery charging parameters

Details default and adjustable charging parameters for the battery.

12.7 Charge a battery

Step-by-step guide to charging the X100 battery.

12.8 Disconnect a charged battery

Procedure for safely disconnecting a charged battery.

12.9 Mount a charged battery in the X100

Instructions for installing a charged battery into the X100.

12.10 Remove a battery from the X100

Procedure for removing the battery from the X100.

13 GROUND CONTROL STATION

13.1 Ground control station (GCS)

Identifies the parts of the Trimble tablet PC ground control station.

13.2 Modem

Details the parts of the Gatewing modem.

13.3 Prepare the GCS for flight

Steps to prepare the GCS, including modem antenna attachment.

14 TRACKER

14.1 Tinyloc tracking system parts

Identifies the components of the Tinyloc tracking system.

14.2 F22 transmitter specifications

Lists the specifications for the F22 transmitter.

14.3 R1 receiver specifications

Lists the specifications for the R1 receiver.

14.4 R1 receiver screen components

Explains the display elements of the R1 receiver screen.

14.5 Power on/off the F22 transmitter

Instructions for powering the F22 transmitter on and off.

14.6 Put an F22 transmitter in the X100

Procedure for inserting the F22 transmitter into the X100 for tracking.

14.6.2 Store an F22 transmitter in the memory of the R1 receiver

Steps to store the F22 transmitter's data in the R1 receiver memory.

14.7 Track down an X100

How to use the R1 receiver to track down the X100.

15 VIRTUAL-GPS

15.1 What

Explains the function of the X100's on-board GPS.

15.2 Landing heading

Describes the ideal direction for the X100's landing approach.

15.3 Define a landing heading: first method

Method to define landing heading using Virtual-GPS software.

15.4 Define a landing heading: second method

Alternative method to define landing heading using Virtual-GPS software.

16 QUICKFIELD

16.1 What

Introduces Quickfield as flight simulation and planning software.

16.2 Custom map

Explains what a custom map is, when to use it, and its supported formats.

16.2.4 zip file

Details the contents and format of a zipped custom map file.

16.2.5 *.jpg or *.png file

Explains the requirement of a world file for JPG/PNG custom maps.

16.3 Project area

Defines the project area for mapping and flight planning.

16.4 Scan area

Defines the scan area for image acquisition during a flight.

16.5 Flight plan

Outlines the information contained within a flight plan and its parameters.

16.6 Flight and scan lines

Explains the concepts of flight lines and scan lines in flight planning.

16.7 Create a project

Step-by-step guide to creating a new project in Quickfield.

16.8 Create a flight plan

Step-by-step guide to creating a flight plan using Quickfield.

16.8.1 Scan area properties

Explains flight height vs. GSD and the impact of overlap on flight duration.

17 HORIZON

17.1 What

Introduces Horizon as the interface for the X100 autopilot.

17.2 User interface

Describes the components of the Horizon user interface.

17.3 Simulate a flight

How to simulate a flight in Horizon after exporting from Quickfield.

17.4 Establish a wireless link between the GCS and the X100

Procedure to establish a wireless communication link between GCS and X100.

17.4.1 Wireless (RF) link between GCS and X100

Details the hardware and power sequence for the wireless link.

17.5 Upload the flight plan to the X100

Steps to upload a prepared flight plan to the X100 autopilot.

17.6 Reset the airspeed sensor

Procedure to reset the airspeed sensor, mandatory before each flight.

17.7 Check the airspeed sensor response

How to verify the correct functioning of the airspeed sensor after reset.

17.8 Monitor the X100 autopilot initialization

How to monitor the X100's initialization process in Horizon.

17.8.1 GPS field

Explains the GPS status indicator in Horizon and its values.

17.8.2 READY field

Explains the READY status indicator for sensor initialization.

17.9 Monitor the battery voltage of the X100

How to monitor the X100's main power battery voltage in Horizon.

17.10 Arm the GCS

Procedure to arm the Ground Control Station, indicating a pending launch.

17.11 Monitor the flight

Key parameters to monitor during the X100's flight in Horizon.

17.12 Monitor the landing

How to monitor the X100's landing sequence in Horizon.

17.13 End a flight

Procedure to terminate the flight in Horizon after landing.

18 DATALOG VIEWER

18.1 What

Introduces Datalog Viewer software for downloading flight data.

18.2 Download the log files

Steps to download flight log files from the X100 to the GCS.

18.3 Collect and save the log files

How to collect and save log files for image processing and analysis.

19 PREPARE FOR FLIGHT

19.1 Operational planning

Covers flight permission, weather checks, and site assessment.

19.1.1 Check your flight permission

Verifying permits and legal context for operating the X100.

19.1.2 Check the weather

Steps for checking weather forecasts and meteorological reports.

19.1.3 Check the site

Assessing the flight area, airspace, and potential ground activities.

19.1.4 Check the pilot and equipment

Ensuring pilot certification and equipment readiness for flight.

19.1.5 Know your safe operating envelope

Understanding the X100's operational limits and safety procedures.

19.2 Checks and preparations

General pre-flight checks and preparations.

19.2.1 Check the elevon response

Verifying the proper movement and response of the elevons.

19.2.2 Check the X100 body

Procedure for cleaning and inspecting the X100 body for damage.

19.2.3 Check the pitot tube

Procedure for checking the pitot tube's condition.

19.2.4 Check the wingtips

How to ensure wingtips are intact and securely attached.

19.2.5 Check the elevons and elevon servos

Checking elevons and their servo connections for damage or looseness.

19.2.6 To check the propeller

Procedure to check the propeller blades and nose for damage.

19.2.7 Mount an eBox in the X100

Steps to correctly mount the eBox into the X100.

19.2.8 Prepare the GCS for flight

Steps to prepare the GCS, including modem antenna attachment.

19.3 Monitoring

Monitoring the X100's initialization and battery voltage.

19.3.1 Monitor the X100 autopilot initialization

How to monitor the X100's initialization process in Horizon.

19.3.2 Monitor the battery voltage of the X100

How to monitor the X100's battery voltage in Horizon.

19.4 Flight plan

Covers creating, defining, and exporting flight plans.

19.4.1 Create a project

Step-by-step guide to creating a new project in Quickfield.

19.4.2 Create a flight plan

Step-by-step guide to creating a flight plan using Quickfield.

19.4.3 Simulate a flight

How to simulate a flight in Horizon after exporting from Quickfield.

19.4.4 Screw the data link antenna on the eBox

Instructions for attaching the data link antenna to the eBox.

19.4.5 Mount a charged battery in the X100

Instructions for installing a charged battery into the X100.

19.4.6 Upload the flight plan to the X100

Steps to upload a prepared flight plan to the X100 autopilot.

19.5 Preparation of the X100 for launch

Covers establishing wireless link, antenna attachment, and camera settings.

19.5.1 Establish a wireless link between the GCS and the X100

Establishing a wireless communication link between GCS and X100.

19.5.2 Screw the GPS antenna on the eBox

Attaching the GPS antenna to the eBox.

19.5.3 Prepare the camera settings for flight

Adjusting camera settings for optimal flight image quality.

19.5.4 Mount the camera in the aircraft

Procedure for mounting the camera into the X100 payload bay.

19.5.5 Put an F22 transmitter in the X100

Inserting the F22 transmitter into the X100 for tracking purposes.

19.5.6 Seal the payload bay with the top cover

Securing the payload bay with its top cover.

19.6 Launch

Covers assembling the launcher, mounting the X100, and launching.

19.6.1 Assemble the launcher

Step-by-step guide to assembling the X100 launcher.

19.6.2 Mount the X100 on the launcher

Procedure for mounting the X100 onto the assembled launcher.

19.6.3 Check the pitch and roll position of the X100

Verifying the X100's orientation for a successful launch.

19.6.4 Check the position of the propeller blades

Ensuring propeller blades are correctly positioned backwards.

19.6.5 Cover the pitot tube

Procedure for covering the pitot tube before certain operations.

19.6.6 Reset the airspeed sensor

Mandatory procedure to reset the airspeed sensor before each flight.

19.6.7 Remove the pitot cover

Crucial step to remove the pitot cover before flight to avoid crash.

19.6.8 Check the airspeed sensor response

Verifying the airspeed sensor's functionality after a reset.

19.6.9 Arm the GCS

Arming the Ground Control Station to indicate a pending launch.

19.6.10 Remove the safety pin from the launcher

Removing the safety pin as the final step before launching.

19.6.11 Be ready for departure

Final checks to ensure readiness for departure.

19.6.12 Launch the X100

The procedure to launch the X100.

20 DURING FLIGHT

20.1 Safety measures

Key safety measures for take-off, cruise flight, and landing.

20.2 Monitor the flight

Important parameters to monitor during the X100's flight in Horizon.

20.3 Monitor the landing

How to monitor the X100's landing sequence in Horizon.

21 AFTER THE FLIGHT

21.1 Log files

Procedures for ending a flight and downloading log files.

21.1.1 End a flight

How to properly end a flight in Horizon.

21.1.2 Download the log files

Steps to download flight log files from the X100 to the GCS.

21.2 Pictures

Instructions for checking picture quality and removing the camera.

21.2.1 Remove the camera from the aircraft

Procedure for removing the Ricoh camera from the X100.

21.2.2 Check the pictures on the camera

How to check the quality of captured pictures after a flight.

21.3 Clearing the site

Procedures for clearing the site after the flight.

21.3.1 Remove a battery from the X100

Steps to remove the battery from the X100.

21.3.2 Remove an eBox from the X100

Procedure for removing the eBox from the X100.

21.3.3 Disassemble the launcher

Step-by-step guide for disassembling the launcher.

22 SAFETY

22.1 Definitions

Defines key safety terms like AGL, HALP, ZoO, and crash.

22.2 Obstacle clearances

Defines obstacle clearance and lists common obstacles.

22.2.1 Definition

Defines the requirement for obstacle clearance in a zone.

22.2.2 Obstacles

Lists common types of obstacles that must be considered.

22.2.3 Obstacle clearances for take-off

Specifies required clearance zones around the take-off area.

22.2.4 Obstacle clearances for cruise flight

Specifies required clearance zones during cruise flight.

22.2.5 Obstacle clearances for descent

Specifies required clearance zones during the descent phase.

22.2.6 Obstacle clearances for landing

Specifies required clearance zones during the landing phase.

22.2.7 Obstacle clearances in French airspace

Specific obstacle clearance requirements for French airspace operations.

23 IN CASE OF

23.1 Failsafes

Explains fail-safe mechanisms activated by technical issues.

23.1.1 Fail-safe mechanisms

Details how fail-safe mechanisms activate and notify the GCS.

23.1.2 Handle a low battery warning before launch

Procedure for handling low battery warnings before launching the X100.

23.1.3 Handle loss of GPS lock before launch

Procedure for handling loss of GPS lock before launch.

23.1.4 Handle a communication link failure before launch

Procedure for handling communication link failure before launch.

23.1.5 Handle a fatal error before launch

Procedure for handling fatal hardware errors before launch.

23.1.6 Handle a low battery warning during flight

How to respond to low battery warnings during flight.

23.1.7 Handle a low battery warning during flight (9.6 V)

Specific response to low battery warnings below 9.6 V during flight.

23.1.8 Handle a communication link failure during flight

Procedure for handling communication link failure during flight.

23.1.9 Handle loss of GPS lock during flight

Procedure for handling loss of GPS lock during flight.

23.1.10 Handle a fatal error during flight

Procedure for handling fatal errors during flight.

23.1.11 Handle a motor failure during flight

Procedure for handling motor or ESC failure during flight.

23.1.12 Handle undershoot in the final leg of the landing

How to correct an undershoot during the final landing leg.

23.1.13 Handle overshoot in the final leg of the landing

How to correct an overshoot during the final landing leg.

23.2 Emergencies

Covers various emergency scenarios and recommended actions.

23.2.1 Emergency scenarios

Overview of emergency scenarios and recommended actions.

23.2.2 FTS command

Explains the FTS command for immediate flight abortion.

23.2.3 HOLD command

Explains the HOLD command for orbiting at current position.

23.2.4 HOME command

Explains the HOME command to return to takeoff location.

23.2.5 LAND command

Explains the LAND command to initiate a normal landing sequence.

23.2.6 GS_UP(S) command

Explains the GS_UP(S) command for adjusting landing aim point.

23.2.7 Obstacles during takeoff

Actions to take if an obstacle appears during takeoff.

23.2.8 Aircraft in ZoO not intending to cross the scan area

How to react to aircraft not crossing the scan area.

23.2.9 Aircraft in ZoO converging to the X100

How to react to aircraft converging with the X100.

23.2.10 Aircraft in ZoO diverging from the X100

How to react to aircraft diverging from the X100.

23.2.11 Aircraft in ZoO intercepting the X100

How to react to aircraft intercepting the X100.

23.2.12 Aircraft in ZoO approaching the X100 head-on

How to react to aircraft approaching the X100 head-on.

23.2.13 Aircraft in ZoO intending to land

How to react to aircraft intending to land.

23.2.14 Other objects during flight

How to react to other objects (birds, cranes) during flight.

23.2.15 Obstacles during landing

Actions to take if an obstacle appears during landing.

23.3 A crash

Definition and exceptions related to aircraft crashes.

23.3.1 Definition

Defines what constitutes an aircraft crash.

23.3.3 Act in case of a crash

Recommended actions to take in case of an aircraft crash.

23.3.4 Track down an X100

How to track down a crashed or landed X100 using the R1 receiver.

23.4 Sudden weather changes

Actions to take in response to sudden changes in wind or other weather phenomena.

24 MAINTENANCE

24.1 Update the Autopilot settings file

Procedure to update the Autopilot settings file using the X100_vx_x.exe.