SSUGT has developed a unique stand for safe testing of drones
Scientists from the Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies have created a uniquely simple test rig for complex testing and flight trials of multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The development is intended for piloting training, component testing, and verification of drone assembly accuracy.
Key features of the rig:
- «4 degrees of freedom»: vertical movement and rotation along three axes (heading, roll, pitch);
- «Mobility and safety»: compact design (can be placed on a table), protective screen, and the ability to be used in classrooms;
- «Universality»: support for UAVs of classes F90–F250, including the Kopis 2 HDV, GEOSCAN Pioneer, and BetaFPV Aquilla16 models;
- «Horizontal launch»: the flight controller calibration requirements are taken into account.
The stand uses a combination of suspension on cords with a pulley system (for vertical movement) and a gimbal suspension or sliding loop (for rotation). This allows simulating real flight conditions, minimizing the risk of damage to drones. During the tests, the following are checked:
- correctness of assembly (connection of engines, direction of propellers);
- setting up sensors and PID controllers;
- control stability under external influences.
The development is already being used at SSUGIT to train specialists in the field of aerial photography and remote sensing of the Earth.
The team plans to upgrade the stand to provide feedback with simulation systems based on the ArduPilot and PX4 flight controllers. This will allow students to gain practical skills in interacting with drones during aerial photography.
The new SSUGT stand is an important step in the development of educational and engineering technologies for unmanned aviation, combining innovation, practicality and safety.
