Harris Aerial Support

Flight Performance

Calibration

Getting Started

  • Location: Place the drone in an open area, away from any metal objects or large structures that could interfere with the compass readings.
  • Environment: Ensure the calibration area is free from electromagnetic interference, which could affect the compass accuracy.
    ——-
  1. Compass Calibration:
    Use Mission Planner’s compass calibration tool:

Steps:

  1. Connect the drone to the GCS using telemetry or USB.
  2. Go to the Initial Setup tab in Mission Planner.
  3. Select Compass Calibration and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Rotate the drone in all directions as indicated (pitch, yaw, and roll).
  5. Save the calibration.

     2. IMU Calibration:
         Use Mission Planner’s accelerometer calibration tool:

 Steps:

  1. Place the drone on a flat, level surface.
  2. In Mission Planner, navigate to Initial Setup > Accelerometer Calibration.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to position the drone in specific orientations (e.g., level, on its side, nose up/down).
  4. Save the calibration.


Please always reference pre-flight & post-flight checklists for system critical calibrations:

  • Location: Place the drone in an open area, away from any metal objects or large structures that could interfere with the compass readings.
  • Environment: Ensure the calibration area is free from electromagnetic interference, which could affect the compass accuracy.
    ——-
  1. Compass Calibration:
    Use Mission Planner’s compass calibration tool:

Steps:

  1. Connect the drone to the GCS using telemetry or USB.
  2. Go to the Initial Setup tab in Mission Planner.
  3. Select Compass Calibration and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Rotate the drone in all directions as indicated (pitch, yaw, and roll).
  5. Save the calibration.

     2. IMU Calibration:
         Use Mission Planner’s accelerometer calibration tool:

 Steps:

  1. Place the drone on a flat, level surface.
  2. In Mission Planner, navigate to Initial Setup > Accelerometer Calibration.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to position the drone in specific orientations (e.g., level, on its side, nose up/down).
  4. Save the calibration.


Please always reference pre-flight & post-flight checklists for system critical calibrations:

  • Location: Place the drone in an open area, away from any metal objects or large structures that could interfere with the compass readings.
  • Environment: Ensure the calibration area is free from electromagnetic interference, which could affect the compass accuracy.
    ——-
  1. Compass Calibration:
    Use Mission Planner’s compass calibration tool:

Steps:

  1. Connect the drone to the GCS using telemetry or USB.
  2. Go to the Initial Setup tab in Mission Planner.
  3. Select Compass Calibration and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Rotate the drone in all directions as indicated (pitch, yaw, and roll).
  5. Save the calibration.

     2. IMU Calibration:
         Use Mission Planner’s accelerometer calibration tool:

 Steps:

  1. Place the drone on a flat, level surface.
  2. In Mission Planner, navigate to Initial Setup > Accelerometer Calibration.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to position the drone in specific orientations (e.g., level, on its side, nose up/down).
  4. Save the calibration.


Please always reference pre-flight & post-flight checklists for system critical calibrations:

Calibration

Radio System Calibration

Please refer to the Camera & Payload section for detailed instructions or submit a ticket below. 

Submit A Ticket

Flight Performance

Tips & Guidance

H6E

Flight Times:

Typical flight duration with different payloads:

  • Light payload: Up to 45 minutes.
  • Heavy payload: Around 30 minutes.

EFI

Fuel Efficiency Metrics:

Fuel consumption rates based on payload and flight time:

  • Typical efficiency: 1.5L per 45 minutes.

Hydrogen Flight Efficiency:

Flight duration based on hydrogen tank size:

  • Light payload: Up to 2 hours.
  • Heavy payload: Up to 90 minutes.

H6HL

With Payload:

  • Light Payload (≤10 kg): Up to 45 minutes.
  • Maximum Payload (40 kg): Around 15-20 minutes, depending on environmental conditions.

Without Payload:

  • Up to 65 minutes under ideal conditions.

H8E

With Payload:

  • Light Payload (≤3 kg): Up to 50 minutes.
  • Maximum Payload (6 kg): Around 35 minutes.

Without Payload:

  • Up to 60 minutes, depending on wind conditions and flight patterns.

Environmental Considerations:

Flight times can vary with weather, altitude, and pilot settings.

Maximum Recommended Wind Speed:

  • 25 mph sustained winds.
  • Drones have performed optimally up to 35 mph gusting, but this is not recommended due to the risk involved.

Flight Behavior

Arming & Disarming

  • Ensure that all pre-flight checks are completed. This includes verifying the battery level, checking the integrity of the propellers, and ensuring that all components are securely attached.
  • Confirm that the GPS signal is strong and that the flight control system is functioning correctly.
  • Open the flight control software on your Ground Control Station (GCS).
  • Navigate to the arming section in the software.

Follow the specific steps outlined in the software to arm the drone. This typically involves a combination of switches or commands

  • Ensure the drone is placed on a flat surface.
  • Engage the arming switch/button on the GCS.
  • The drone’s LEDs may change color to indicate it is armed.


Confirm that the drone is armed by checking the software status and LED indicators on the drone.

  • Double-check the area around the drone to ensure it is clear of people, animals, and obstacles.
  • Announce loudly that the drone is armed to alert those nearby.

Flight behavior

Disarming The Drone

  • After completing the flight, ensure the drone lands safely on a flat and stable surface.
  • Use the flight control software to bring the drone to a complete stop.

Follow the specific steps outlined in the software to disarm the drone:

  • Disengage the arming switch/button on the GCS.
  • The drone’s LEDs may change color to indicate it is disarmed.


Confirm that the drone is disarmed by checking the software status and LED indicators on the drone.

  • Perform a quick inspection to ensure there are no damages or loose parts.
  • Power off the drone and all related equipment.
  • Store the drone in a safe place.

Flight Behavior

Takeoff Parameters

  • Open the mission planning software on your Ground Control Station (GCS).
  • Navigate to the takeoff parameters section in the software.
  • Familiarize yourself with the various views:
  • Input the desired takeoff altitude in the mission planning software. This is the height the drone will ascend to immediately after takeoff.
  • Ensure the altitude is high enough to clear any immediate obstacles but not so high as to interfere with other air traffic or operations.
  • Define the initial flight path the drone will follow after takeoff. This should be a clear, straight path to avoid any nearby obstacles.
  • Ensure the path is free from buildings, trees, power lines, and other potential hazards.
  • Physically inspect the takeoff area to ensure it is free from obstacles and debris.
  • Confirm that there are no people, animals, or moving objects in the vicinity that could interfere with the takeoff.
  • During the drone’s initial ascent, closely monitor its path and behavior using the GCS.
  • Be prepared to take manual control if the drone deviates from the planned path or encounters an unexpected obstacle.

Flight Behavior

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Best Practices

  • Always maintain direct visual contact with the drone during flight. This ensures that you can see and avoid obstacles, other aircraft, and changing environmental conditions.
  • Use visual aids such as binoculars if necessary, but avoid relying solely on them for navigation.

Return-to-Home (RTH):

  • Program the RTH feature in your drone’s flight control software. This ensures that the drone will automatically return to its takeoff point or a pre-designated rally point if it loses signal or encounters an issue.

Rally Points:

  • Set up multiple rally points in the flight area. These are predetermined locations where the drone can safely land if an issue arises during flight.

Flight Behavior

Differences and Uses for Guided vs. Manual Flight Modes

Purpose:

  • Guided mode is used for automated flights following a pre-set path. This mode is ideal for missions that require precision and consistency, such as surveying, mapping, and inspections.

Operation:

  • The drone follows a series of waypoints or a flight plan programmed into the flight control software.
  • The operator can monitor the flight and make adjustments as needed, but the drone primarily follows the pre-set path autonomously.

Purpose:

  • Manual mode allows the operator to have direct control over the drone’s movements. This mode is best for situations that require dynamic and responsive control, such as manual inspections, filming, or emergency maneuvers.

Operation:

  • The operator uses the remote control or Ground Control Station (GCS) to manually pilot the drone. This includes controlling altitude, direction, and speed without relying on pre-set waypoints.
  • Manual mode requires a higher skill level and constant attention from the operator to ensure safe and effective flight.

Adjusting Flight Parameters

Details, Steps, & Drone Use Cases

Mission Planning

Key Details:

  • The H6E supports mission-specific configurations such as grid surveys and waypoint mapping.
  • Use Mission Planner or compatible GCS software to plan and upload routes.

Steps:

  1. Define waypoints and altitude for the mission in Mission Planner.
  2. Set up flight speed and payload-specific parameters (e.g., camera shutter sync).
  3. Simulate the flight in Mission Planner to check for potential issues.

Use Cases:

  • Agricultural mapping.
  • Infrastructure inspection.
  • Environmental monitoring.

Payload-Specific Configurations

Key Details:

  • Optimize flight settings for various payloads, including cameras, LiDAR, and multispectral sensors.
  • Adjust PID values for specific payload weights.

Steps:

  1. Balance the payload on the drone.
  2. Adjust hover throttle to account for the payload’s weight.
  3. Perform a test flight and fine-tune parameters.
  • Do not tamper with RFD tools unless qualified.

Adjusting Flight Parameters

Details, Steps, & Drone Use Cases

Key Details:

  • The H6HL supports payloads up to 40 kg (88 lbs), requiring adjustments to flight parameters for stability.
  • Configure ESCs and motors for heavy-lift operations.

Steps:

  1. Use Mission Planner to adjust PID tuning for heavy payloads.
  2. Verify motor and ESC performance through hover tests.
  3. Calibrate payload dampening systems for vibration-sensitive equipment.

Use Cases:

  • Industrial equipment transportation.
  • Large-scale surveying.

Key Details:

  • Configure Return-to-Launch (RTL) parameters for power or telemetry loss.
  • Adjust landing speeds for high-payload configurations.

Steps:

  1. In Mission Planner, set RTL altitude and speed based on the payload’s weight.
  2. Test the failsafe system in a controlled environment.
  • Do not tamper with RFD tools unless qualified.

Adjusting Flight Parameters

Details, Steps, & Drone Use Cases

Key Details:

  • The H8E excels in survey and mapping missions using tools like Mission Planner.
  • Supports corridor scans, grid-based surveys, and point-to-point missions.

Steps:

  1. Use Mission Planner to define mission parameters (e.g., grid size, overlap percentage).
  2. Adjust altitude and speed based on the payload and mission objectives.
  3. Preload offline maps to ensure navigation in low-signal environments.

Use Cases:

  • Corridor inspections (roads, pipelines).
  • Structure scans (buildings, bridges).

Key Details:

  • The H8E can carry advanced payloads such as LiDAR or multispectral sensors, requiring specific setup steps.
  • Use dampening plates to minimize vibration for sensitive payloads.

Steps:

  1. Secure payloads using the provided clamps and rails.
  2. Test the payload’s telemetry feed in Mission Planner (e.g., data logging or camera trigger verification).
  • Do not tamper with RFD tools unless qualified.

Recommendations & Guidelines

Powering Off:

Open the Flight Control Software:

  • Launch the Ground Control Station (GCS) software on your device.
  • Navigate to the settings or parameters section.

Access RTL Settings:

  • Locate the RTL (Return-to-Launch) settings within the software.
  • Set the RTL point to either the designated home point or the nearest rally point.

Configure RTL Altitude:

  • Input the desired RTL altitude, ensuring it is high enough to clear any potential obstacles during the return journey.
  • Consider environmental factors such as buildings, trees, and terrain elevation when setting this altitude.

Save and Test:

  • Save the settings and perform a test to ensure the RTL function works correctly and that the drone can safely return to the set point at the configured altitude.

Submit A Ticket

Recommendations & Guidelines

Powering Off:

Open the Flight Control Software:

  • Launch the Ground Control Station (GCS) software on your device.
  • Navigate to the guided flight mode settings section.

Adjust Speed Settings:

  • Set the desired speed for the guided flight mode, considering the mission’s requirements and safety considerations.

Adjust Altitude Settings:

  • Configure the altitude settings for the guided mode, ensuring the drone maintains a safe and consistent altitude throughout the flight.

Set the Flight Path:

  • Define the waypoints and flight path that the drone will follow in guided mode.
  • Ensure the path is clear of obstacles and aligns with the mission objectives.

Align with Mission Objectives:

  • Review and adjust all settings to ensure they meet the specific needs of the mission.
  • Perform a test flight to verify that the guided mode functions as expected and that the settings provide the desired performance and safety.

Submit A Ticket

1043 Seminola Blvd
Casselberry, FL 32707

info@harrisaerial.com

(407)-725-7886

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