An Adaptive Sensor Framework for Gyrocopter-Based Optical Remote Sensing: Introduction and Applications

Abstract

Airborne remote sensing with optical sensor systems is an essential tool for a variety of environmental monitoring applications. Depending on the size of the area to be monitored, either unmanned (UAVs) or manned aircraft are more suitable. For survey areas starting at several square kilometers, piloted aircraft remain the preferred carrier platform. However, a specific class of manned aircraft is often not considered: the gyrocopter-type ultralight aircraft. These aircraft are less expensive to operate than conventional fixed wings. Additionally, they are highly maneuverable, offer a high payload and a long endurance, and thus perfectly fill the niche between UAVs and conventional aircraft. Therefore, the authors have developed a modular and easy-to-use sensor carrier system, the FlugKit, to temporarily convert an AutoGyro MTOsport gyrocopter into a full-fledged aerial remote sensing platform mainly for vegetation monitoring. Accordingly, various suitable optical sensor systems in the visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and longwave infrared (LWIR) were explicitly developed for this carrier system. This report provides a deeper insight into the individual components of this remote sensing solution based on a gyrocopter as well as application scenarios already carried out with the system.