AutoCopter Debuts SuperScout UAS

In the tradition of unique UAV solutions, AutoCopter Corp. has created the AutoCopter SuperScout. It has the ability to fly, capture multispectral data and process that data in the field, says the company in a recent press release.

AutoCopter SuperScout UAV It is designed to enhance the capabilities of AutoCopter’s other model, the Crop Scout, in the field. Not only is it gathering real time data and processing that data, but now variable rate prescription maps can be created in the field as well. No more waiting for processing. No more waiting for outside vendors. No more scheduling and no more delays.

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“We put several pieces of unique technology into the SuperScout,” Donald Effren, President of AutoCopter shared his thoughts. “When we decided to build the smaller UAV for Precision Ag, we knew it had to be in a similar template as the AutoCopter G15 Ag Solution. We would build an aerial technology solution with the same strict quality and performance metrics we consider necessary.”

In order to really be a Precision Ag solution, it must have GPS enabled auto pilot software with waypoints. Without it, one is merely flying the field without direction and there is no precision. After landing to review the pictures, you need to know where you were and where you need to go. A concern is also the quality of the images. Capturing crop images in the field with the benefit of auto pilot software is always superior to flying manually.

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With the AutoCopter SuperScout, flights can be planned in advance. Arriving at the field, you are able to take off and fly the pre-determined route. This is important for two reasons: 1.) the time in the air is maximized and 2.) the field is covered in a precise manner. When you have completed your flight plan, saving it allows you to re-fly it again the next time: same altitude, same speed, same route and same direction.

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The system includes three cameras: 1.) multi-spectral camera; 2.) full color camera and 3.) video with live video stream to the ground control station.

Another important part of UAV imagery is the ability to know where the picture being viewed is located in your field. The geo-referencing (lat-long location) is tagged to every picture. Now the images can be reviewed in the field or any other time and locate the area of concern. Without geo-referencing this cannot be accomplished. If you are covering hundreds of acres it will not work for random flights.

The agility of the multicopter is vital in Ag situations with the ability to stop, go back and/or hover over an area of concern. Soft vertical landings insure that quality cameras are not damaged.

Unique among its competitors, the AutoCopter Super Scout solution captures data and then processes it in the field. This provides real-time info to assist in making informed decisions to reduce inputs and increase yields. If you cannot measure it you cannot manage it. If you cannot process it, all you are doing is collecting more data you will not use.

SOURCE: AutoCopter news release.

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Avatar for Neil Neil says:

I’d be very interested in how the data is processed by the SuperScout and in what way. Do I get actual maps/tasks for say my Trimble Field IQ so I can use it for planting, fertiliser placement or weed control?

I don’t see any MS camera in the picture, and no BLG, I’m sorry, how is this cutting edge? Is your flight time more than 30min? I am dissapointed. In field image processing and the fact that it is using a point and shoot like the ebee means it is not near the quality something like trimble can provide or someone with a bigger, lighter setup with a real camera and longer flight times.

Avatar for Donald E Donald E says:

You have made some incorrect assumptions. I would be happy to clarify. Feel free to contact me directly.

If I have I apologize, are any of them something you can correct me on now in text?

It is an interesting system but I have a superior setup for approx., 10% the cost.
I even have superior software developed by Agriculture Canada that cost nothing.
My drone can cover over a 1000 geo-referenced acres (autonomous) on a charge with a radio range of 14 miles.
Total investment with 2, 20 meg cameras is just over $3700.00