‘World’s Smallest Autopilot System’ Turns UK Drones Into Smart Strike Munitions
London Defence R&D’s Raptor Pilot AI Pro is a compact autopilot that adds onboard AI targeting and autonomous precision control to UAVs.
When AI, vision-based processing, and full flight control converge in one compact module, it gives platforms the ability to operate more autonomously and engage targets with greater precision.
This is what London Defence R&D is aiming to deliver, with a tiny autopilot system it says can “transform any class of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) into intelligent precision munition.”
Claimed to be the world’s smallest unified autopilot, the Raptor Pilot AI Pro packs a quad-core central processing unit running at 2.4 gigahertz and supports integrated on-screen displays.
Its onboard AI detects and tracks targets in real-time through high-definition video streaming at 30 frames per second. A suite of sensors combining visual and inertial data allows the module to stay operational even when satellite signals are degraded.
Flight control relies on an STM32F405 controller, providing precise attitude and altitude estimates during autonomous operations.
Wide Compatibility
Weighing just 100 grams (3.5 ounces), the autopilot operates across a 6 to 28 voltage input range. It can integrate with a wide range of sensors, payloads, and control networks through different wired and wireless interfaces.
The company said its Raptor Pilot AI Pro is platform-agnostic, able to work across interceptors, loitering munitions, fixed-wing drones, and hybrid UAVs.
The tech serves as the primary driver of the Baby Raptor and Raptor XL interceptors, which London Defence R&D unveiled recently.
Source: NextGenDefense
