DTC, a Codan company, has launched the BluTrak-90-D Autonomous Tracking Antenna, an antenna designed to autonomously track unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real-time. As drone operations continue to evolve and extend over longer distances, the BluTrak-90-D is designed to maintain a data link with UAVs without the need for external control or processing.
Unlike traditional fixed antennas, which require manual alignment and can struggle to maintain connectivity as the drone moves, the BluTrak-90-D autonomously tracks UAV movement to maintain its data link. At the core of the system is an onboard microprocessor running embedded tracking algorithms, enabling the antenna to continuously follow the movement of the drone without operator intervention.
Tracking and deployment features
The BluTrak-90-D is a self-contained system that supports deployment and removes the potential for human error in antenna alignment. Designed for operation, it supports Power over Ethernet across a wide voltage range and processes NMEA position data from sources beyond GPS, ensuring operation in GNSS-denied environments.
Housed in a rugged IP67-rated enclosure and equipped with a high-gain antenna, tripod, and cable drum, the BluTrak-90-D is intended for field environments. Its high-gain antenna focuses the signal, which is reported to increase signal strength, extend operational range, and improve signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio compared to fixed antennas. Its directional beam is designed to support data throughput and link stability, while minimizing the likelihood of interception and detection.
The BluTrak-90-D is intended for a range of applications, including:
By combining autonomously tracking, connectivity, and deployment features, the BluTrak-90-D is positioned as an alternative to traditional antenna systems.
Click here to learn more about BluTrak-90-D Autonomous Tracking Antenna.
