This year, a large-scale exhibition of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was held in Las Vegas. Along with many global organizations, the Ukrainian company Culver Aviation made a strong statement by presenting its innovative product — the Menatir aerial monitoring system. Culver Aviation specializes in aerial surveillance, collecting data from the surface of the Earth. To perform such manipulations, the company’s specialists have created UAVs based on their own developments.
The Menatir system: Features of development and functioning
The initiative to develop such a system using UAVs arose deliberately, triggered by the demand for aerial monitoring in real time for a number of different applications used in the fields of both municipal and agricultural. In developing the Menatir, Culver Aviation sought to provide a comprehensive automated solution for many applications through base stations and a fleet of UAVs.
The Menatir has some unique attributes, namely:
- full automation of the vertical take-off and descent of aircraft;
- the ability to instantly transmit collected real-time information;
- UAV roaming among control stations.
The Menatir can be used for a wide range of applications: its drones can be effectively used to detect fires, inspect urban and natural areas, survey infrastructure, as an additional business function, etc.
The Menatir system is a network of autonomous base stations, each containing 6 drones. Such UAVs can fly up to 90 km without needing to recharge. The automation of the system allows for reducing the number of staff to manage it: to control the work of the Menatir will need 1 specialist, performing the duties on a remote basis from anywhere in the world.
Drones take off, execute the task and return to the base in accordance with the planned assignment. It takes no more than 3 minutes from the specialist’s command to the takeoff of the UAV. The drone is equipped with high-end instruments for accurate video and photography, however, the system offers several payload options to choose from, which may be more precisely suited to a particular mission.
The initiative to develop such a system using UAVs arose deliberately, triggered by the demand for aerial monitoring in real time for a number of different applications used in the fields of both municipal and agricultural. In developing the Menatir, Culver Aviation sought to provide a comprehensive automated solution for many applications through base stations and a fleet of UAVs.
Characteristics and merits of the monitoring system
In order to perform high-quality and high-accuracy monitoring 24/7, you need the right equipment, which is the Menatir system. This innovative solution has:
- Highly scalable and prone to optimal integration.
- High-performance drones with reliable batteries that extend their service life.
- A 20-foot container as a basing site, for easy placement, takeoff, and landing of the UAV.
- There is also a solution for emergency situations, such as a lack of charge, in which case the mission is continued by another drone.
- There is software based on artificial intelligence (AI) developed specifically for this system, which processes the collected information and promptly transmits it to the recipient.
- There is even a possibility of control through a smartphone application.
Thus, thanks to the development of a Ukrainian company, both large business structures, and government agencies can cover their needs. Everything to make life everywhere much more productive.
