Link: http://www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au/2010

The AUSUAV 2010 entry to the OBC is underway spurred on by the release of the new rules. Flight testing began a few weeks ago and the current prototype 3.6m twin boom pusher airframe flew a 1.4 hr flight on under RC control on 28 Mar 10 with battery capacity remaining. 300-400W seems to sustain flight through lift, sink and mild climbs and descents on the airframe that has a very draggy fuselage and causes a lot of disruption to the flow through the prop. We are confident that this years entry will be capable of carrying all equipment and the rescue payload while achieving greater than a 1.5 hr endurance using electric power. The AP has returned from UNAV after being upgraded to the latest firmware with a 5 Hz GPS and is currently being fitted to the airframe along with the Millswood falsafe and Servo Station. The Millswood equipment has proven its self well in the old Telemaster and Cularis glider. The Cularis was flown using the failsafe as a serial servo controller controlled by Roborealm over a 9XTend for something different, it worked well without any latency issues for docile handling planes like the Cularis. The Millswood failsafe will be employed as a failsafe and payload controller. The new rules regarding comms loss failsafe behavior are a welcome option and will be pursued if time permits. The current test bed will be used to test components and comms ranges while an improved version is made. More to follow after Easter..