The Bramor PPX is an unmanned aircraft that is specialized in remote sensing. The platform is a catapult launched/parachute recovery fixed wing equipped with a Sony RX1 RII 42 megapixel 35mm lens camera. It is also equipped with a PPK GPS. (Figure.1) Its wings span 7ft 6 inches and has a max takeoff speed of 10.8 pounds. It cruises at 16 m/s and has a stall speed of 13 m/s. The Bramor can fly for up to 3 hours at a time.
Flight Planning Software:
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| (Figure.2 C3P Software Screen) |
The program used to operate the PPX is called C3P. This program allows the user to adjust any settings that may needed to be adjusted in terms of flight. The airspeed, altitude, landing point, takeoff point, rally point, etc can all be adjusted in this software. This is also where the flight plan will be made for the operation. It allows the user to set the pathing the aircraft will take during the operation and visually shows the pilot where the aircraft is along this path. C3P also allows the user to select things during autonomous flight such as releasing the parachute at an early time or even manually take control of the aircraft. This program is essential to flying the Bramor during an operation and allows the crew to have full control over everything that is going on. (Figure.2)
Checklist/Crew:
The preflight checklist is essential to follow to ensure that all components of the aircraft and its tools are set up properly. The checklist contains information on how to set up the catapult, the aircraft, the program, and how to launch the aircraft correctly. Setting up everything can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the operation. The sensors also have their own checklist separate from the launch assembly and aircraft checklists. There are major sections of the checklist that must be followed in order. 1) Unpacking 2) Assembling 3) Preflight 4) Launch.
Crew Roles
- Pilot in Command
- Ensures the safe operation of the aircraft
- Sensor Operator
- Ensures sensor operation
- First Officer
- Pre-Flight
- Assists both PIC and SO with checklist completion
- In Flight
- Liaison between PIC and SO with checklist completion
- Collects metadata
- Post-Flight
Implications:
The Bramor PPX is a complex aircraft that is capable of collecting large amounts of data very efficiently. Although it is a long process to get set up, once in the air it can complete operations with ease and get the necessary results. One scenario in which this aircraft would be exceptionally useful would be a search and rescue operation. Since the Bramor can fly for up to 3 hours, sending this aircraft in the sky to take photographs or pinpoint certain locations could be immensely helpful in finding someone in a situation where time is of the essence. Another scenario that would benefit from the Bramor is a forest fire. Since forest fires can spread very rapidly and usually start at a source, this aircraft would be useful in finding the location of the most intense parts of the fire and relay that information to the crews tasked with putting out the fires. Since this aircraft is catapult launched, being on the outskirts of the area out of the way of the fires will help keep the crew safe. Overall, when used in the right situations, the Bramor PPX can help teams in times of disaster when time is important or even help farmers plot out their land. Regardless of the operation, this aircraft is exceptionally well at collecting large amounts of data efficiently.
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