Reventec Limited, a leading custom electronic sensor manufacturer, has been selected by Carbonix to supply their Ottano fixed wing UAS with advanced LS800 fuel level sensors.

Australian UAV manufacturer, Carbonix, is well-known for its long-range drones for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance. With both an all-electric and fuel-powered drone in their product portfolio, Carbonix’s remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) boasts vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and is capable of covering an area of 5913 hectares. The fuel-powered Ottano drone has a fixed-wing span of 4.5m and relies on accurate fuel level readings to optimise flight time, increase flight range and to improve on fuel efficiency.

The Ottano drone is ideal for data capture in remote environments with advanced detection equipment on board for detailed monitoring, inspection and exploration of different terrains which suits customers from the defence, search and rescue, mining, energy and wildlife conservation requiring remote aerial operations. The continuous LS800 sensor allows for fast remote analysis of fuel level ensuring quick deployment and extending operational use. Boasting extended flight times of up to 8 hours (or 6+ hours with payloads of up to 5kg), the Ottano UAS offers higher than average payloads. Leveraging the continuous, high accuracy fuel level measurement from the LS800, the Ottano is able to fly further and for longer.

The Reventec LS800 is a precision, capacitive fuel level sensor fitted within the Fuel Safe fuel cell integrated into all Ottano drones. Offering serious range extension to increase mission time, the LS800 enables UAS pilots to capture more surveillance intelligence per flight by optimising every drop of fuel. The compact AN-8 threaded mounting configuration and flying lead allows for direct integration within the Carbonix wiring harness.

The ultra-lightweight fuel sensor is designed to last with a high vibration and shock tolerance making it suitable for most UAV applications. With an operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C (higher variants up to +150°C is available), the device delivers an analog output of 0.25V when empty to 4.75V when the tank is full. To achieve the superior accuracies of +/-0.5% of reading, all calibration is carried out at the factory in the intended fuel. The LS800 is extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of UAV platforms and other vehicle applications that require fast, accurate measurement of dielectric fluids.

Neville Meech, Managing Director at Reventec, said: “We are delighted that Carbonix have selected Reventec as their fuel level sensor supplier for the sophisticated Ottano drone. Our range of fuel level sensors have been adopted by a variety of UAV platforms and our experience delivering highly accurate sensors ensures that our customers enjoy precision fuel management for range extension.”

Philip van der Burg, Chief Executive Officer at Carbonix, said: “We carefully select the suppliers we work with to ensure we are aligned on our vision to drive and match the technical excellence that both ourselves and our customers expect. Reventec’s fuel level sensors are of a high calibre and accuracy that we hope to harness as we further develop and expand the capabilities of our next-generation Ottano drone.”

Source: Reventec