T.I.C.

(Tactical Information Craft)



    Micro UAVs are the next generation in real-time information reconnaissance for both rural and urban theaters of operation. Because of their size, portability, and ease of operation, Micro UAVs are currently on the "hot list" for equipment that needs to be developed. The need to utilize a UAV capable of flying inside of building ventilation shafts, small quarters, underground tunnels, through small alley ways, or a dense forest is very real.














    Equipped with small color or IR cameras, or biochemical detection sensors, these vehicles can be used for hostage situations, bomb detection, enemy detection/location, and security patrols.

    The T.I.C., or Tactical Information Craft, is a revolutionary patent pending design developed by Theiss Aviation, Inc. for urban reconnaissance operations where a conventional UAV could not operate efficiently. The TIC airframe has been in successful development for the past 26 months, and currently there are five prototypes of various sizes that have been flying successfully throughout the development program. The 12" version is currently being utilized in a successful Air Force SBIR project now in Phase II.





    The craft is a hybrid cross between a ‘Flying Body’ and a ‘Flying Wing’. It utilizes an efficient airfoil section for the body of the craft as a flying wing, but is configured to where the length is greater than the width as in a flying body. Theiss Aviation engineers have carefully designed the craft to minimize crosswind or ‘side-wind’ vulnerability in the design to optimize its performance capabilities in Urban Canyons.


      SYSTEM CONTROL OPTIONS

        BASIC
        Aircraft System utilizes a standard 72 MHz radio transmitter and onboard receiver to manually fly the craft via “radio control”. Range is approximately 1.5 miles.


        AUTO ASSIST
        This option uses a simple onboard autopilot assist system with thermal imaging sensors for roll axis and pitch axis. When Auto Assist is off, it does not interfere with any manual control. When it is on, it will stabilize the aircraft in two axes when there is no control input. You still have control over elevator and rudder, but it cannot be over controlled. You can climb but you cannot loop. You can descend but you cannot dive. The roll axis will not allow the craft to go inverted. Whenever the sticks are centered, the Auto Assist will right the model and fly it straight and level. Whenever you bank, it will hold the altitude for you as long as there is enough power from the engine. When you throttle back, it will go into a smooth descent while maintaining level flight in pitch and roll. In summary the Auto Assist unit allows for two mode selections: normal flight with full pilot authority, and stabilization mode.


        FULL AUTO
        This option is a complete autopilot solution including flight sensors, GPS, and communications link. This includes the onboard autopilot and ground control station for the system. The system supports operating multiple aircraft (up to 5) from a single Operator Interface and Ground Station, and offers advanced system functionality, including:
        -Completely autonomous operation with catapult/hand launch and autoland
        -Dead reckoning / graceful degradation in lost GPS environment
        -Auto Assist manual flight modes
        -Flexible drag and drop flight plan generation and updates
        -Control of camera, lights, flight termination, or autonomous drop functions
        -Flexible simulator tools

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