A
ground control station (GCS) for an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is the primary
system through which a pilot operates the aircraft. The composition of a GCS varies widely
depending on the platform it supports. A
control system can be comprised of a modular shelter, electrical power
generators, satellite communication arrays, and multiple computers, such as
those used for the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.
A GCS can also be comprised of a single, handheld wireless controller
and first person view (FPV) goggles, such as those used by FPV UAS racers. An issue faced by FPV racers with this control
system is the limited field of view for the operator. Another issue is that the view provided by
the FPV goggles during aerobatics or sharp maneuvering can be disorienting for
the pilot.
A FPV UAS operator’s field of view (FOV) is dependent on
the FOV capability of the specific model of camera mounted on the
aircraft. Depending on the lens
dimensions, FOVs can range from 78 to 185 degrees of FOV (Unmannedtech,
2015). This is also assuming that parts
of the UAS, such as rotors, are not obstructing the camera’s FOV. However, despite a wide angle FOV, the
pilot’s view is still limited by the fixed camera, much like flying a computer
flight simulator on a single screen.
Motorized pan and tilt equipment and motion sensors would be required to
allow the camera to match an operator’s head movements and provide the
appropriate view. This equipment would
most likely add weight to the UAS and require additional procurement
funds. However, the benefits of this
equipment may be worth the additional investment and weight. In the video “Anti-Gravity” (2015), FPV UAS
pilot “Skitzo” performs impressive aerobatics and sharp, precise maneuvers
around trees and buildings. The close
clearance of the tree limbs suggests that the pilot scouted the location and
planned some of his flight route. The
probability that an operator could fly such a route for the first time, sight
unseen is unlikely. The equipment
necessary to allow FPV UAS pilots to look around and not be limited to a fixed
forward view would improve their ability to avoid obstacles. An alternative to motorized pan and tilt
equipment and motion sensors would be a multiscreen display. However, a multiscreen display may not provide
the immersive environment provided by FPV goggles. Whether using googles or multiple screens,
good visibility and the capability to quickly scan one’s surroundings is
extremely important to a pilot performing aerobatics or competing in an air
race (Interview with Steve Hinton, 2012).
Aerobatics and sharp maneuvers can cause disorientation
and motion sickness in pilots flying manned aircraft. Operators of FPV UAS have discussed in online
forums that the immersive visual environment provided by FPV goggles can induce
the similar reactions (Freas, 2012).
Motion sickness could degrade performance to the point where a pilot is
unable to execute precise maneuvers or continue safe operations. These symptoms could also make flying FPV UAS
unpleasant enough to cause an operator to cease flying. Freas (2012) discusses with other forum members
about alternatives. One forum member,
“benderfly”, used a flatscreen video display in lieu of FPV goggles. Another forum member, “Daemon”, related his
experiences with allowing guests to watch through his FPV goggles while he flew
his UAS. Some of his guests reported
disorientation and motion sickness after his flights. “Daemon’s” guests could look in a different
direction than the UAS’ heading via a full pan and tilt head tracker. He theorized that they would become
disoriented when their view rapidly shifted during his maneuvers since they
were not expecting them. “Daemon” also
theorized that he did not suffer these effects since he was flying the UAS and
knew when and how he was maneuvering and could anticipate the movements.
FPV goggles are a valuable component
of a racing UAS’ GCS. The view from the
UAS’ perspective aids the operator in flying the aircraft. Improving the video systems to provide pilots
a greater range of visibility would aid in navigating the course and
maneuvering more tightly around obstacles.
Improved image quality could also decrease the probability of motion
sickness in operators. These
enhancements would increase performance in UAS racing competitions.References:
Anti-Gravity [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvhLrgvfy0w
Unmannedtech. (2015, November 28). FPV Cameras For Your Drone - What You Need to Know Before You Buy One.
DroneTrest. Retrieved from http://www.dronetrest.com/t/fpv-cameras-for-your-drone-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-buy-one/1441
Interview
with Steve Hinton (Part 1) Air Racers 3D IMAX – Being an Air Race Pilot [Video File]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDMkKUx9jKA
Freas,
M. (2012, September 7). Adverse physical effects after flying FPV
under goggles? [Msg 7].
Message posted to http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1727642
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