GCS Human Factor Issue

UAS GCS Human Factors Issue

Shannon D. Gibson

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

ASCI 638 Activity 2.4

January 23, 2015

I chose The UAV Factory’s, “off-the-shelf portable Ground Control Station” (GCS).  This specific unit is marketed by the company to be universal for most UAV’s and payloads installed on the UAV. It has a modular electronics compartment (MEC), which is, says is, “unique”.  Most hardware can be installed quickly by simply plugging the hardware into the system via the MEC. There are several different types of connections in the MEC that makes this unit usable by various platforms.  It uses Panasonic technology for a ruggedized CF-31 Toughbook to enclose this system which looks like a hard exterior light-weight suitcase, built to transport and take hard knocks and environmental changes.  There are carry handles, wheels and even a shoulder strap to choose the method of carry. It is powered by 2 lithium batteries which last up to 2 hours and can be hot swapped. In saying this, no need to reset the system to change batteries, you can simply remove the one losing power and insert the one that is fully charged. Included in the power system is reverse polarity, overcurrent and over-voltage protection. The displays used are a 17” and a 13” touchscreen displays with intuitive power monitoring.  The input range is 10-32 VDC and it has 50 W power outputs.  Without any additions, this unit weighs 41.66lbs and is approximately 39/16.5/6.6 and can operate in temperatures from -4 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.