Good to know drones other than the MQ-1 and earlier models of the MQ-9 are ALSO affected by icing. It is funny how the drone industry keeps rediscovering problems solved my manned aircraft back in the 1930’s. I think part of the issue is drone designers don’t involve enough aerospace engineers on their design team. The start-up culture in the drone industry thinks of drones as computers that happen to have wings or props. The reality is one of my mantras- “they are still aircraft.” So, no, Precision Hawk you can’t make your drone fuselage out of circuit board and expect it to survive a hard landing. Yes, DJI, icing does bad things to good drones. And for my early Predator days friends PLEASE don’t post comments about icing on the MQ-1. I’m still emotionally scarred from having to explain to General Chuck Wald (USAF, Ret.) and David A. Deptula that, no, those yahoos did NOT design the MQ-1 to fly in icing conditions. (They fixed it on the MQ-9 and MQ-1C) #drones #uas
As the weather on the Ukrainian front line continues to worsen, I’m noting more and more reports from pilots that their UAV’s are dropping out the skies due to icing on the props. The most affected is currently the DJI Mavic 3 regular and thermal versions. Notably developing an ‘esc error’ seconds before malfunctioning. These problems are most prevalent during heavy fog with periods of high humidity. Ice developing is dangerous because it alters the shape of the propeller, reducing thrust and increasing unnecessary rpm on the motors. If you’re a pilot and want to check weather conditions, the app ‘UAV forecast’ has a handy ‘dew point’ feature. This’ll inform you when conditions are right for icing to begin. (Usually under 3 degrees) So, steps to prevent prop icing? 1️⃣ Apply an hydrophobic coating to the propellers to reduce ice adhesion. These coatings are lightweight and minimally affect flight performance. 2️⃣ Use commercial de-icing sprays, ensuring they are compatible with prop materials. 3️⃣ Minimize hovering as it increases exposure to humid, cold conditions. Continuous forward motion can reduce ice buildup. 4️⃣ After flights adverse conditions, inspect the props for ice or frost and clean thoroughly. Store the drone and propellers in a warm, dry environment before flying. 4️⃣ If all else fails, apply a thin layer of Vaseline along the leading edge. 5️⃣ A very clever solution from Mike RICHARDSON - Apply femtosecond surgical cuts / notches into the props to encourage water molecule displacement & treat with hydrophobic solution. 👌 #war #Ukraine #russia #fpv #drone #uav #uas #cuas #counterdrone #dronedefence #dji #dronewarfare #jamming #fiberoptic #drones #military #osint
The VTOL "Rescue Hopper" auto de-ices when the aircraft is started. The propeller system is enclosed in the fan chamber not exposed to weather. www.hopper-express.com
I am not used to speculate over the articles of others. But somehow, lately I have been challenged to speculate by technology and strategy cutting-edge articles. As far as we can write something simple for an issue so complicated for the drones, we could say that the only difference is that the drone has "his pilot in distance" while the aircraft has the pilot inside. In simple terms, there is the natural difference for the controller of a drone doesn't be in the environment of his controled flight vechicle. It seems to me that the next generation would be the crontroller of the drone being in an artificial environment that simulates the real environment where the drone flying. As far as the threat which the real pilot feels when he navigate his aircraft ought to be simulated in the controllers of drones cabinet the next generation AI could give a solution. In retrospect even if there is no humman losses by using drones, the drones operations are under a different concept of controlling operations at most when we use UCAV. The future is not so lavish because the upgradet station of Drones controllers will be targeted which means that you would have the nessecity to defend them and more.
This is a deceptively simple statement: The start-up culture in the drone industry thinks of drones as computers that happen to have wings or props. The reality is one of my mantras- “they are still aircraft.”
The weather ALWAYS gets a vote on operations. Especially drone operations. And I am one of those early MQ-1/MQ-9 guys who remembers how many we lost. Small birds are just as susceptible if not more.
Experienced Program Manager , USAF Pilot & Acquisition Professional (Ret), UAS Pioneer, PMP, SGP, TEDx Presenter
2moOr Hail!