July 2008 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Finishes Third Overall In The 2008 International Aerial Robotics Competition

Guided Systems is pleased to announce that ERAU, based in Daytona Beach, FL has finished third place overall for the 2008 International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC). The IARC is a multiyear competition, developed to challenge student teams and advance the state of the art in unmanned aerial systems. ERAU, a latecomer to the competition has joined on the final and most difficult year of the competition. Guided Systems has been pleased to provide its patented Adaptive Neural Network controls technology and training to enable fully autonomous operations of their rotary wing UAV.

Working in formal partnership with Cloud Cap Technology, Guided Systems has been selected to provide the complete rotorcraft solution to the very successful Piccolo line of autopilots. The Piccolo II used by ERAU is a high performance, full featured autopilot in a light weight, compact solution.

Charles Reinholtz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering  had the following to say about Guided Systems:

'the performance of the autopilot freed us to work on other aspects of the competition, from the first time we turned it on IT JUST WORKED'

'exceptional support, thorough documentation and a knowledgeable, responsive staff '

Guided Systems has been applying its Adaptive Neural Network control methods on complex unmanned aerial vehicles for well over a decade.  The focus has been primarily on complex vehicles.  These include helicopters, ducted fans, tilt rotors, coaxials and compound vehicles such as AeroVironment’s VTOL Skytote UAV.  The methods have also been successfully employed in designs for fixed-wing aircraft, space launch vehicles, and precision guided munitions.

For more information, contact:

Charles Reinholtz, Professor and Chair

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Phone: 386.323.8848

Email: charles.reinholtz@erau.edu

Griffin Harrison,

770 898 9100 ext 844

gh@guidedsys.com,

www.guidedsys.com 

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