Thermal Infrared And Multi-Spectral Dual Sensor Integration For Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Abstract: This paper describes the development and integration of a dual sensor payload into an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for agricultural remote sensing. The dual sensor payload is comprised of a FLIR Tau 2 thermal infrared sensor linked to a TeAx ThermalCapture processor and a MicaSense RedEdge 5 band multi-spectral sensor. Sensors were mounted into a UASUSA Tempest fixed wing unmanned aircraft using a 3-D printed mount. The sensors were integrated such that a single trigger signal from a BlackSwift Technologies SwiftPilot autopilot activated both sensors simultaneously. Payload system design, development, implementation, power supply, and installation considerations are discussed along with a review of the dual sensor system performance.

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Authors: Mitch S Maguire, Wayne E Woldt, Eric E Frew, Jacob Smith, Jack Elston

Associations: University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Universty of Colorado, Boulder