What's next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
DJI launches Phantom 4 UAV
DJI has launched a new consumer quadcopter called Phantom 4 designed for professional aerial photography, the company announced on 2 March.
The camera-equipped UAS has features including TapFly, ActiveTrack and an obstacle sensing system.
The obstacle sensing system features two front-facing optical sensors that scan for obstacles and automatically direct the aircraft around them. If the system determines the aircraft cannot go around the obstacle, it will stop and hover until the user redirects it. The user triggering the aircraft’s ‘return to home’ function also activates the obstacle avoidance system.
The ActiveTrack function allows users with the DJI Go app on Android and iOS devices to follow and keep the camera centred on the subject by tapping the subject on their tablet or smartphone. By activating the ActiveTrack mode in the app, the users can take pictures of moving objects. The UAS uses machine learning and three-dimensional understanding to keep the subject within frame even when the subject moves or turns.
The TapFly function in the DJI Go app allows the users to double-tap a destination on the screen and the UAS calculates the optimal flight route to reach the destination. The UAS also has a ‘pause’ button, which allows the user to halt autonomous flight at any time, causing the craft to hover.
The Phantom 4 features a Lightbridge video transmission system to display the real-time camera feed on a user's smart device, with a range of 5km.
The UAS' frame incorporates a lightweight composite core that features a redesigned gimbal to dampen vibration, stabilise the UAS and reduce the risk of propellers appearing in the shot. The system's battery provides a flight time of 28 minutes.
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