 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
IntelliTech's Vector P Completes Successful Agricultural Test Flight
Bowie MD (SPX) Oct 05, 2005 IntelliTech Microsystems has completed a successful test of its Vector P unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in an agricultural monitoring application, it was announced by Steve Fujikawa, President of IMI. The test was performed in collaboration with and under the supervision of researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), who confirmed the accuracy of the results. According to Mr. Fujikawa, "We are delighted with the outcome of this initial test, which demonstrates the full effectiveness and value of the Vector P in determining the underlying causes of poor plant growth and pinpointing the need for fertilizer and pesticide application at an extremely high level of resolution and accuracy. "We believe that this new tool will help farm operators and precision agricultural consultants across the country reduce chemical usage, saving millions of dollars while mitigating environmental damage due to runoff. This is particularly important in these times of increasing petrochemical costs." The Vector P system is an inexpensive UAV that flies autonomously under autopilot control. Its payload consists of a specialized, low-cost multispectral imaging system, as well as inertial navigation sensors that include a GPS system which yields the precise coordinates of each image. Image resolution may encompass areas as small as a fraction of an inch. Results of a flight can be rapidly analyzed, and may be used to optimize the dispensing of water, pesticide, and fertilizer through variable-rate applicators. Compared with satellite-based agricultural monitoring systems, the Vector P provides much higher image resolution due to its low altitude. In addition, it flies below any cloud cover, providing more timely and accurate readings in a wider range of weather conditions. Its low cost profile also makes the Vector P far more affordable than satellite services. IntelliTech recently received early stage funding to further develop the UAV from the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the specialized technology transfer arm of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. The funding award was made through TEDCO's Maryland Technology Transfer Fund, which helps businesses transfer technology from Maryland universities and federal laboratories into the marketplace. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Vector P SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express UAV News - Suppliers and Technology
USAF UAV Battlelab Sponsors Demo Of Proxy Aviation's SkyForce
Germantown MD (SPX) Jan 11, 2006Proxy Aviation Systems recently announced the United States Air Force (USAF) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Battlelab (UAVB) sponsored and cooperated in a demonstration of SkyForce, Proxy Aviation's unmanned aircraft system. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
