Research and Development
Applied research and innovation are at the core of Zephyr. We are advancing a series of innovative internal projects aimed at making a significant impact in the field of advanced air mobility
Sling Payload Control System (SPCS)
The Suspended Payload Control System is an innovative software solution developed by Zephyr for stabilizing suspended loads on multi-rotor UAS. SPCS is an enabling technology for the future Air Delivery sector as it minimizes the operational risks associated with such missions. One of the primary challenges in aerial transport of suspended loads is oscillation, which can dangerously occur during flight due to strong accelerations, rapid turns or wind gusts.
Integrated into the UAS autopilot, SPCS can automatically estimate and dampen the oscillations of suspended load without requiring external sensors on the UAS or the load itself. The system estimates oscillations by utilizing data from standard sensors already present on the UAS, along with a few basic parameters such as the load weight, UAS weight, and cable length.
The system reduces oscillations by applying corrective maneuvers to the UAS during manual flight or along predefined routes, keeping the load stable even during course changes or in gusty wind conditions.
This innovative system is particularly advantageous for operations in sectors such as construction, environmental services, and urban last-mile logistics, enhancing safety and reducing delivery costs. SPCS can be integrated into any multi-rotor UAS, regardless of the weight or size of the platform.
By choosing the Suspended Payload Control System, UAS manufacturers have the opportunity to integrate an advanced, cutting-edge technology that is unique in the market.
SPCS-Heli. Sling Payload Control System for Unmanned Helicopters
Zephyr is developing a new version of the Sling Payload Control System (SPCS) designed for unmanned helicopters with rigid or semi-rigid rotors, called SPCS-Heli.SPCS-Heli is a software module that can be integrated into the flight control firmware of a UAS in helicopter configuration.
Similar to the first version of SPCS, which is available under license for multi-rotor UAS, SPCS-Heli estimates the oscillations of a cable-suspended payload without the need for external sensors, and dampens them by applying corrective maneuvers to the UAS.
Demonstrator of a Multi-Rotor UAS Equipped with Variable-Pitch propellers
This project aims to quantify the benefits of using variable-pitch rotors on multi-rotor UAS. Conventional multi-rotor UAS with fixed-pitch propellers have the advantage of simplicity, but face stability and maneuverability issues as the mass, inertia, and rotor size increase.
Adopting variable-pitch propellers could solve these limitations in VTOL systems designed for cargo or passenger transport, while also providing efficiency benefits during flights with varying payloads.
Zephyr is developing a technology demonstrator to test advanced GNC strategies designed to fully exploit the advantages of variable-pitch propellers.
Consulting
services
FLIGHT CONTROLLER AND PAYLOAD INTEGRATION
MODELING, SIMULATION, CONTROL LAWS
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS
EXPERIMENTAL FLIGHT CAMPAIGNS
UAS
Services
AERIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY
PRECISION FARMING
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
