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UL Drone
UL Hybrid Drone
Infrastructure Profile
Infrastructure Provider
Base Location
University of Limerick
Organisation & Address
University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
Link to Infrastructure Schedules (if applicable)
NA
Normal Area of Operation
Typically this Infrastructure is used in conjunction with flight license and permissions under Irish Aviation Authority. UL fly this in Ireland and can fly it in a number of locations. Time is required to ensure these licenses are in place. Flying outside Ireland it is also possible, however license applications need to be completed with the local aviation regulator and licenses acquired. If flying drone beyond visual line of sight, then a license or Temporary Restricted Area needs to be also acquired.
Maximum Number of Days Available
14 days
Scientists’ Travel and Logistics (T&L) Budget Available
€ 6,000.00
Overview
Flight Time (with & without payload)
3 – 6 hrs, depending on the type of operations and payload weight
Transmission Range
30 km, can be extended but depends on base station equipment, area of operations and permissions.
Global satellite communication are also available.
Maximum Altitude
10,000 ft
Dimensions
5 m winspan
Weight & max take-off weight
70 kg Max Take-off Weight (MTOW)
Weather Limits
20 knots wind, not rated for heavy rain
Surveying Instruments Available
LiDAR, RGB, Multispectral, Hyperspectral, other
Scientific and Technical Specifications
General Information
UL_Hybrid Drone is a maritime VTOL, heavy payload, Long endurance and Long range, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), which is portable and robust. The system is an exciting new variant of UAV with the versatility of VTOL capabilities but with the added advantage of fixed wing endurance (6hrs+). High bandwidth video relay and control communications far offshore with endurance range of up to 600 kilometers. Nondependency on runway or catapult makes it ideal for ship based launch and recovery.
Services currently offered by the infrastructure: The UL_Hybrid Drone system has survey grade navigation capability, allowing for survey grade deliveries. Payload capability is 5 kg with typical survey instruments including LiDAR, Thermal imaging, Photogrammetry cameras, Stereos Cameras, 4k video, environmental sensor suite and hyperspectral & multispectral imaging sensors. The system is suited to offshore infrastructure inspection, habitat monitoring, bird & mammal mapping, water quality surveying, HAB monitoring, forest mapping, coastal change monitoring and border security operations.
Scientific Limitations
None, Airspace Clearance Requirement
Special Features
Hybrid VTOL, long endurance, high payload
Support offered to AQUARIUS users
Support to put in place: Pilot Licenses, Operator Licenses, OA Licenses, Permissions to complete the requested ops.
Support for payload integrations and training of the system.
Support for flight execution.
Infrastructure Availability and Contact Details
Year 2025
Availability within most months, location is dependent on country / local aviation regulations and zones
Year 2026
Availability within most months, location is dependent on country / local aviation regulations and zones
Year 2027
Availability within most months, location is dependent on country / local aviation regulations and zones
Contact email for applicants to discuss the initial feasibility of their work while they prepare their application
gerard.dooly[at]ul.ie
Certification and Clearance Requirements
Airspace Clearance Requirements
Yes. Typically this Infrastructure is used in conjunction with flight license and permissions under Irish Aviation Authority. UL fly this in Ireland and can fly it in a number of locations. Time is required to ensure these licenses are in place. If flying outside Ireland it is also possible, however license applications need to be completed with the local aviation regulator and licenses acquired. If flying drone beyond visual line of sight, then a license or Temporary Restricted Area needs to be also acquired
Diplomatic Clearance Requirements
No
Additional clearances or documentations required for an area or type of activity
Pilot Licenses, Operator Licenses, OA Licenses, Permissions to complete the requested ops
Additional training required
A General Operations training is required, as well as Health & Safety, Risks etc, and will be provided by the Infrastructure Operator.