OBJECTIVES
1. To ensure legal compliance for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) at the Nelson Mandela University.
2. Provide a research and development capacity on RPAS platforms for the university and industry.
3. To support further integration of land and sea based autonomous systems.
THE SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTION TO UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.
1. Assist the university staff who require RPAS for operational, research or other purposes in accordance with a sustainable financial model.
2. Ensure Legal compliance (flight record keeping, pilot currency, air space permissions, etc. of RPAS systems (as required by SACAA).
3. Provide access to RPAS hardware (various types of RPAS and associated equipment).
4. Provide access to a pool of RPAS pilots.
5. Explore other autonomous systems, including marine, automotive, agricultural and other.
6. Explore the implementation of a RPAS training facility.
The AMTC currently has two drones: A Phantom 4 Pro and self designed and manufactured fixed-wing drone called "Frankendrone".
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Weight 1.4 kg
Size 0.35 m
Payload 0.3 kg
Endurance 28 min
Max Speed 72 km/h
Max Altitude 19,000 ft
Battery 18.5V 5870 mAh
NMU001 (FrankenDrone)
Weight 15.0kg
Size 4.00 m
Payload 5.0 kg
Endurance 75 min
Max Speed 100 km/h
Max Altitude 25,000 ft
Battery 18.5V 28,800 mAh