Septentrio to supply AsteRx-m2 receiver for new Delair UX11 large-area mapping UAV

Leuven, Belgium – 3 May 2018 – GNSS receiver manufacturer Septentrio has been selected to supply it’s high-precision AsteRx-m2 GNSS OEM receiver module and PPK library for use with Delair’s UX11- a lightweight, BVLOS-ready fixed-wing mapping drone.

By employing the latest high-spec photographic, sensor and communications elements, Delair has kept the weight of the UX11 including payload down to an impressive 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs). This gives the UX11 up to 59 minutes in the air and means it can be launched by hand in confined areas. A 3G/4G network link to the UX11 allows the operator to assess in real-time, the quality and overlap of images during flight and make any necessary adjustments to the settings of the integrated camera meaning no nasty surprises at the end of a flight and wasted flights are kept to a minimum.

The AsteRx-m2 was the natural choice for the UX11. It delivers high-precision multi-frequency quad-constellation GNSS measurements for PPK (Post-Processed-Kinematic) for only 28 g and the lowest power consumption of any comparable device on the market. The low-latency specification of the AsteRx-m2 makes it uniquely ideal for both rotor and fixed-wing UAV applications.  

The AsteRx-m2 features Septentrio’s proprietary GNSS+ suite of positioning algorithms to convert difficult environments into good positioning: LOCK+ technology to maintain tracking during the heavy dynamic vibration typical of UAV flights, APME+ to combat multipath and IONO+ technology to ensure position accuracy during periods of elevated ionospheric activity. The AsteRx-m2 also features AIM+ interference mitigation and monitoring system which can suppress the widest variety of interferers, from simple continuous narrowband signals to the most complex wideband and pulsed jammers. AIM+ can diagnose self-interference from other electrical or electronic devices onboard the UAV as well as mitigating external interference during operational flights.

The combination of high-quality camera images and GNSS measurements from the AsteRx-m2 allows Delair to offer its users PPK survey-grade ground precision down to 1 cm. With Delair’s PPK software, powered by Septentrio’s GeoTagZ PPK library, users only pay for the precision they need and on a flexible pay-as-you-go basis.  

“Driven by the explosion in the number and variety of drone applications, drone technology has advanced leaps and bounds in recent years and Delair have been right at the heart of the action. With their focus on innovation and a commitment to providing the very highest quality products, Delair and Septentrio are true kindred spirits and we’re delighted to be part of the UX11 project,” said Gustavo Lopez, Product Manager at Septentrio.