The Competence Center Multicopter of the Deutsche Bahn (DB) Safety develops innovative concepts to assess more efficient methods for maintenance of the rails via multicopters (drones).
With regard to the aerial image quality, multicopter systems are already in a position to meet the challenges of such pilot projects. Although, drones are limited to short flight time and slow flight speed which makes automated and large-scale use not easy. However, manned systems are extremly expensive.
Quantum Systems, a ESA BIC Bavaria incubatee, has launched a pilot project with DB on cost effective operations of drones. With it’s“Quantum TRON”, the automated vegetation capture along trails of the rails is done much faster. The recorded data is analysed automatically and results in a qualified tree cadastres. The Quantum TRON is a UAV system able to take-off and land vertically like a helicopter, with the horizontal gliding capabilities of an airplane. As a result, it is also suitable to capture railway tracks. In this pilot project, the test track was recorded by Quantum TRON and a DB multicopter system in order to compare both results. High acquisition speed and a good reproducibility from Quantum Systems convinced DB: The high quality results make conventional processes more effective.
About Quantum Systems
ESA BIC Bavaria startup Quantum-Systems develops and produces a professional and high-performing UAV. The transition aircraft Quantum VRT provides outstanding flight characteristics and a high payload capacity by combining the capabilities of a fixed-wing aircraft with a multicopter. After vertical take-off the pivoting rotors enable a seamless transition to aerodynamic – and thus energy-efficient – horizontal flight. Quantum VRT also lands vertically after once again pivoting its rotors. The Quantum includes an automatic flight control system that stabilizes and controls its different flight modes, including vertical take-off, landing, hovering, and transitioning to and from horizontal flight mode.
Quantum Systems is incubated at ESA BIC Bavaria for 2 years.
About ESA BIC Bavaria
The ESA BIC Bavaria seeks entrepreneurs using space technologies in a non-space environment. That does not mean rocket science, but applies to multiple application fields such as navigation and positioning, communications techniques, Earth observation, materials, processes, signals or robotics.
ESA BIC Bavaria has four selection rounds each year. The next application deadline for the incubation programme is 14 June 2017. Apply now for ESA BIC Bavaria.
