An Overview of FSF’s UAV Fleet

Overview

The Facility provides dedicated UAV platforms for each of our UAV sensors. These range from “light” drones such as the DJI M100 to “heavy” drones such as the DJI M600 Pro. Each of our sensors are paired with a UAV platform, but depending on availability, the facility can loan these platforms separately for testing integration of new sensor payloads.

Notice Please note, it is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure that a suitable risk assessment has been carried out, suitable and applicable permissions are in place, and that flights are undertaken to PfCO guidelines. As with all of our equipment, while it is in your possession, it is your / your institutions responsibility to insure it for all damages.

In the first instance we recommend contacting us to discuss your proposed work so we can work collectively to establish the best methodology and equipment for your project. Our UAV instrumentation suite consist of;

Notice Please note, due to high value and complexity of operating the Headwall Co-Aligned VNIR-SWIR Imager, a member of staff from FSF must operate the sensor and pilot the UAV which it is mounted to. If making an application to use the Headwall Photonics Co-aligned VNIR-SWIR Imager, additional costs for FSF staff member time, travel, and subsistence must be accounted for. Please contact the facility for more information.

Guidelines for UAV Pilot Competency

Before FSF loan a UAV system, FSF must be satisfied that the user has a pilot available who is sufficiently experience in all aspects of UAV operations. This will include risk assessment for flight operations, flight planning, knowledge of all applicable laws and regulations for the country or region in which the UAV will be operated, and experience undertaking UAV surveys.

  • If the pilot has a CAA General Visual Line of Sight Certificate or equivalent, this will likely be acceptable, providing the pilot has at least 2 hours UAV flight time in the 90 days previous to the loan.
  • If the pilot does not hold a GVC or equivalent, FSF will ask for previous examples of UAV flight, with examples of risk assessments that have been undertaken. The pilot must also have at least 2 hours UAV flight time in the 90 days previous to the loan.
  • You may still apply to loan a UAV before you have a named pilot.
  • The institution or individual who loans the UAV will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, recording of log books, personal liability insurance (to comply with EC Regulation 785/2004), equipment insurance, and all aspects of UAV operation in accordance with local laws and regulations.

FSF may be able to put you in touch with commercial UAV pilots if you require, however, please note that commercial UAV pilot rates are around £550/day and are not included in basic FSF UAV loans.

Lastly, one must be well-versed in export/import legislation, as it pertains to UAVs. This knowledge ensures that any cross-border movements adhere to international trade laws and restrictions.

If you have any further questions, please do contact us for any further information.

Technical Specification

DJI M100

Value
Weight 2.35 kg
Max. Takeoff Weight 3.6 kg
Operating Temperature -10℃ to +40℃
Battery (Model, Type, and Capacity) TB47D, Lithium Polymer 6S, 4500 mAh
Hovering Time No payload: 22 min; 500 g payload: 17 min; 1kg payload: 16 min
Hovering Accuracy Vertical: 0.5 m; Horizontal: 2.5 m
Max. Speed 17 m/s (GPS mode, no payload, no wind)

DJI M210

Value
Weight 3.84 kg
Max. Takeoff Weight 6.14 kg
Operating Temperature -20℃ to +45℃
Battery (Model, Type, and Capacity) TB50, Lithium Polymer 6S, 4280 mAh
Hovering Time No payload: 27 min; Full payload: 13 min
Hovering Accuracy Vertical: 0.5 m; Horizontal: 1.5 m
Max. Speed 17 m/s (GPS mode, no payload, no wind)

DJI M600 Pro

Value
Weight 9.5 kg
Max. Takeoff Weight 15.5 kg
Operating Temperature -10℃ to +40℃
Battery (Model, Type, and Capacity) TB47S, Lithium Polymer 6S, 4500 mAh
Hovering Time No payload: 32 min; 6 kg payload: 16 min
Hovering Accuracy Vertical: 0.5 m; Horizontal: 1.5 m
Max. Speed 18 m/s (no wind)