The Iris+ is a lightweight multi-rotor UAS for training and survey with a variety of sensors up to approximately 0.4 kg. The Iris+ is a lightweight quadcopter running the Pixhawk / Arducopter flight control system. The Iris+ provides an excellent training platform for larger, higher value Arducopter based systems, but is also survey capable equipped with either the Parrot Sequoia or Canon S110 compact camera and, optionally, laser altimeter. Specifications For full specifications please contact us for a copy of the aircraft manual. Take-off weight with battery 1282 g Typical flight time Without payload, or with Go-Pro type camera or laser rangefinder: ~12-15 mins With Canon S110 camera: ~10-12 mins Max payload 400 g Battery specs 3-cell 11.1 V 3.5 Ah lithium polymer with XT-60 type connector Note - the battery compartment has limiting dimensions and must be checked prior to new battery purchase Telemetry 433 MHz (UK, EU) Autupilot system Arducopter Ground control station Via PC running Mission Planner open-source software Available Sensors The Arducopter open-source autopilot system on the Iris+ allows for a very adaptable sensor interface. Below are the currently supported sensor systems, but others are possible on request with minor modifciations. Canon S110 compact camera The S110 camera provides a high quality 12 Mp imaging capability. The camera is powered and controlled directly by the aircraft, using the CHDK firmware 'hack' installed on the camera's SD card. This provides a fully integrated survey solution via the Mission Planner flight control software. Parrot Sequoia multi-spectral camera The compact Sequoia sensor is integrated on a damped mount and powered by the aircraft; the irradiance sensor is mounted on the top of the aircraft body. Control and triggering of the Sequoia is managed independently via a wifi connection. The 4-channel sensor is suitable for mapping of NDVI and similar spectral indices. Lightware SF10c and 11C laser range finders These laser range-finder / altimeters can stream accurate range data to be logged by the autopilot at 10Hz for later retrieval. The logged signal can be toggled between first and last return via connection to a PC on the ground. All power and signal connections are made directly to the aircraft. Status and Availability We currently have two serviceable Iris+ aircraft, with a number of spare parts available. It should be noted that the Iris+ design dates back to 2013-14, and our own examples to ~2015-16, so these no longer represent the state of the art in drone technology. For an Arducopter-based system, though, they represent a very easy to fly and manage solution for small scale work (limited by the relatively short endurance of the type), and provide an excellent platform for training on this autopilot system. We therefore retain our Iris+ on strength at this time but will generally aim to supply more modern systems for loan when available and technically suitable. This article was published on 2024-06-25
