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Thermal Infrared and Multi-spectral Dual Sensor Integration for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2017 ASABE Annual International Meeting  1701455.(doi:10.13031/aim.201701455)
Authors:   Mitch S Maguire, Wayne E Woldt, Eric E Frew, Jacob Smith, Jack Elston
Keywords:   Multi-spectral imagery, thermal infrared imagery, avionics autopilot, dual sensor integration, agricultural remote sensing, unmanned aircraft system.

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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