FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the ACE system

Who is ACE intended for?

ACE is intended for manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems that wish to expand the scope of sales opportunities by offering their customers the ability to operate autonomously from moving vehicles or vessels on land or at sea.

ACE is also intended for end-users who operate fleets of aircraft and wish to take them off road or off shore.

How does ACE compare to [Other Product]?

ACE is specifically designed to provide autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating from moving vehicles and vessels on land or at sea. This is a very different challenge compared to operating from fixed, stationary locations, and solutions should not be considered interchangeable. ACE has been developed and tested over many years by experts in the field, and it has been validated through thousands of successful flight operations.

There are many other products available that provide precision positioning with different sensing modalities, effectively acting as a sensor input. In many cases, that is sufficient for landing on a stationary platform. In fact, ACE can be configured to provide only that capability without GPS and active RF communication, but most of our customers demand more.

If you are on a moving platform, especially when landing mishaps can not be tolerated, then ACE is the solution.

Can I try it out?

Since ACE is integrated into your aircraft and becomes part of the control system, it can be difficult to try out the way you might with an external payload. ACE is not a bolt-on payload. Like the rest of the control system on your aircraft, it must be integrated, configured, and tested thoroughly before it is ready to deploy.

Planck can provide demonstrations of ACE on other similar UAVs, but they might not be a perfect representation of your system or mission needs. We can also provide videos, virtual demonstrations, technical support, and references to successful integrations to third-party aircraft.

We understand that this requires an investment, but we're here to help you along with way. We've done dozens of integrations with a range of different aircraft types and sizes. The one-time engineering integration effort is worth it.

Can I use a different camera or lens?

Camera and lens intrinsics and characteristics are very important for reliable operation. Changing the camera or lens will have impacts to system performance and is not recommended without coordinating with Planck. The ACE camera is a small form factor and very lightweight.

In some cases, an aircraft may already have a camera in place that is suitable for ACE. Planck can work with you to evaluate whether the camera will work, and the process to interface it with the ACE system. Contact us to discuss options.

Can ACE work with [Other Autopilot]?

ACE is natively compatible with most autopilots using ArduPilot firmware. That configuration provides the full range of capabilities provided by ACE.

Since ACE is not a payload or simple sensor input, it requires a direct interface with the autopilot and two-way communication.

ACE can be configured to work with other autopilots, including proprietary systems. In these cases, a limited subset of features may be available.

However, some third-party autopilots, including commercially available models, do not provide the interfaces necessary for ACE to operate.

What if the camera lens get wet/dirty?

The computer vision system is tolerant of occlusions, including blurriness from a limited amount of dust or water. However, the ACE camera should be kept clean and free from obstructions. The ACE camera is very small and easy to protect, and it should be mounted in a location to limit its exposure to dirt and water. In the standard configuration, ACE performs a pre-flight check to ensure that the camera is in good working order and will prevent the aircraft from taking off if the camera's view is obstructed.

Where is ACE software developed

All of Planck Aerosystems software is developed, stored, and controlled in the United States.

Can ACE be exported to other countries?

In most cases, ACE can be exported and integrated onto your aircraft. Contact us to discuss export options.

Is ACE patented?

Yes, the underlying technology behind ACE is patented by Planck Aerosystems.