RUAG’s Laser-Based Automatic UAS Landing System
Swiss company RUAG has developed OPATS (Object Position and Tracking Sensor) - a laser-based automatic landing system for UAS that represents a cost-efficient alternative to radar-based landing systems. The landing procedure for UAS is still a very delicate operation and the most critical phase during the entire UAS flight.
The key feature of the system OPATS is the continuous position measurement of the approaching unmanned aircraft by means of an eye-safe, OPATS system infrared laser beam which is echoed back from a passive and optionally heated retro reflector on the aircraft.
The measured position data is continuously transmitted to the Ground Control Station (GCS) processed and used to control the aircraft on its glide path via the data uplink to the aircraft.
RUAG developed the OPATS system for the Swiss Air Force. Experience with several thousand automatic landings have shown that OPATS is a reliable, precise, easy-to-operate and cost-effective system for UAS auto landing. It was demonstrated that a landing area of 20 m x 200 m for touchdown and full stop is sufficient. This performance was achieved in cold and hot areas, rain and snow, day and night.
RUAG has delivered more than 100 OPATS to different worldwide customers.
Source: RUAG
