INTA created a stable and flexible

data acquisition system that can

be used on all their UAV for flight

testing and operations.

The System Acra KAM-500 data acquisition

unit (DAU) connected to a variety

of sensors. A network switch

provides the communication

backbone for the DAU interface

with the flight control system.

The Results • 30% reduction in weight of the

data acquisition system

• Reduced instrumentation,

configuration and

programming time by 40%

• Fully integrated future proof

air-to-ground system

Acra KAM-500 Data

ACQUISITION ONBOARD

HADA UAV FAMILY

HC-130H

COMMERCIAL OFF-THE-SHELF

MODULAR DESIGN

The System The system is unique as it acquires data during both flight testing and operational flights. It comprises • Acra KAM-500 as the main DAU onboard

• Solid state recorder to record a PCM data stream from the sensors

• Ethernet Switch to link the DAU, Onboard Intelligent Health Monitor and Flight Control System

• Bit synchronizer / Smart Source Selector / Decommutator in the Ground Control System

• GS Works 7 software for real-time playback, analysis & data sharing

The airborne system acquired the following data • Flight Dynamics

• Engine Dynamics • Structural conditions

Acra KAM-500 DAU is

connected to the following

measurement devices

• Pressure, temperature and

RPM sensors

• Velocity, orientation and

gravitational force sensors

• A weathervane

• A magnetometer

• An altimeter radio

• Resistance temperature

sensors

• Potentiometers

• A fuel flow meter

COMPACT &

LIGHTWEIGHT

“ The KAM-500 gives us

the ability to create flexible PCM streams with video and data ensuring the right data gets to the ground at the right time.This combined with its small footprint makes it the

perfect device for UAVs where flexibility, reduction in size and weight is crucial.

The Results I

Reduction in data acquisition system weight by 30%

The Acra KAM-500’s compact design achieved a

smaller, lighter and more cost effective solution than

the alternative.

• The compact size was achieved by integrating the

functionality of a video encoder, GPS, engine

monitor and power system monitor into a single,

light weight modular device

• Cabling is significantly reduced in the Ethernet

networked system

• The light weight system was accompanied by a

low price without compromising capability or

reliability

• It also lowered the system design, integration and

functional risk in the project.

“

Rafael Gonzalez Armengod

R&D Area Head Flight Test and

Armament, INTA

Acra always has an engineer on hand that knows our system well, speaks our language and responds

without delay. The excellent level of support is one of the reasons we keep coming back.

“

The Results II

Reduced instrumentation, configuration and

programming time by 40%

The system has been tried, tested and proven:

• INTA can quickly instrument a new or prototype

aircraft

• Only need to make platform specific modifications

The use of an Ethernet networked system

• reduces the installation complexity and wiring

requirements

• simplifies the integration with other Ethernet devices

• creates a clear path for system growth

The decision to purchase COTS equipment from Acra

reduced the cost and risk of the project while helping

to accelerate the program.

“

WORKS ONCE

WORKS ALWAYS

HIGH QUALITY DATA

FLIGHT AFTER FLIGHT

The Results III

Future proof, fully integrated air-to-ground system

The flexibility of the KAM-500 DAU allows INTA

• to find a suitable configuration

• alter input/output parameters without requiring

system modifications

• to use the system on multiple platforms with only

specific platforms modifications to implement

• facilitates simplified integration with onboard

network devices utilizing standard open

interfaces and protocols

KAM-500 products have proven their flexibility and

reliability in the most demanding of UAV programs.

Acra KAM-500

Lowers Risk Proven on every platform type in

all environmental conditions

COTS hardware with short delivery

times

Reduces Cost of Ownership Reduced inventory of spares due

to common product line

Lower installation, setup and

maintenance requirements

Modular design greatly extends

system lifetime

FTI by Design Designed to minimize the data

transfer time from sensor to screen

Guaranteed predictable data

Simultaneous sampling occurs

across the complete system

For more information visit

www.cwc-ae.com

Curtiss-Wright Controls Avionics & Electronics

cwc-ae@curtisswright.com

665 North Baldwin Park Boulevard City of Industry, CA 91746, USA

Phone: 626-851-3100

Landscape House, Landscape Road Dublin 14, Ireland Phone: +353-1295-1264