The T680 Pro is a mid-weight multi-rotor UAS with a useful payload of approximately 1 kg. The T680 Pro is a mid-weight custom-built hexacopter platform based on the Tarot 680 Pro airframe with Pixhawk / Arducopter flight controller, providing a very useful survey capability, with various sensor payloads of up to ~ 1 kg and useful flight times of around 15 minutes. Typical payloads include the Parrot Sequoia multi-spectral sensor and Sony A6000 compact system cameras. Optionally Lightware SF10C / 11C laser altimeters can also be fitted. Specifications Our T680 platforms were designed and constructed in-house around the open-source Arducopter auto-pilot system. As such there are no published manufacturer specifications. The following are based on our own figures and flight handling experience. Maximum take-off weight Approx. 4.5 kg Maximum payload Approx. 1.2 kg; normally ~ 800g Safe endurance In practice, with safe reserves, approximately 14 minutes. Maximum wind velocity 10-12 mph Compatible Sensors The Arducopter autopilot system, while quite complex to manage, provides great flexibility in sensor compatibility and control. The following are the sensors that we commonly use on the T680 platform, but additional sensors can be incorporated with relative ease. Sony A6000 mirrorless camera The A6000 features a 24 Mp sensor and supports interchangeable lenses; for photogrammetry we normally use the Sony E-mount F2.8 20mm prime lens. Triggering is normally provided by the T680 for a fully integrated survey solution. Mounting can be via gimbal or, to save weight, a damped mount with ground-adjustable pitch angle. Power is provided by the aircraft's batteries. Parrot Sequoia multi-spectral camera The compact Sequoia sensor is gimbal mounted 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 T680. Status and Availability Our fleet includes threeT680 Pro aircraft. Please note: While our T680 aircraft were ahead of their time when we developed them in ~ 2015-2016, they are beginning to show their age, and require somewhat greater care in handling than the latest commercially available unmanned aircraft. They remain very useful platforms and we maintain them as part of our fleet, but preference will normally be given to our more recent platforms where available and technically suitable. This article was published on 2024-06-25
