FAQ
Do you want to learn more about Hoverboards, Hoverboard
technology and areas of application for UAS? Here you can find answers to
frequently asked questions.
Do I need a permit to fly a Hoverboard?
In India a so-called Ascent Permit
(Aufstiegsgenehmigung) is required for commercial use of unmanned microcopters
(Hoverboard). This is issued either individually or generally by the respective
states and is valid for several years. We have compiled all the necessary
information and local contacts for our customers to easily obtain the permit,
and will be provided to you after purchasing a Height-Tech multicopter.
Why don’t you sell helicopters?
We invariably sell multi-rotor systems, i.e. Hoverboards
with multiple propulsion systems and the least possible mechanical systems.
Since these aircraft are stabilised by an electronic system, this eliminates
the complex and fault-prone helicopter system or stabilisation system (paddle
level). Eliminating these complex mechanics makes our Hoverboards virtually
entirely maintenance-free. Another great advantage of our Hoverboards is the
use of many relatively small motors and propellers as opposed to one large main
rotor. These small, yet very light propellers keep the risk of injuries very
low. There have unfortunately been some very serious accidents involving
conventional helicopters this size.
Why are there Hoverboards (UAVs) with 4, 6 or even
8 motors?
A Hoverboard needs a minimum of 4 motors to be able
to fly without any additional mechanical systems (angle of approach adjustments
for the motors). Two of those motors rotate clockwise, two counter-clockwise.
This cancels out the torsional moment, eliminating the need for an inefficient
tail rotor as on a helicopter.
The disadvantage of a Hoverboard with 4 motors is
the lack of back-up in the event of motor failure. If a motor fails on this
so-called quadrocopter, as unlikely as this may be, the Hoverboard will crash.
In order to compensate a motor failure, more than 4 motors are used, so 6 or 8.
In a Hoverboard with 6 motors, a so-called hexacopter, a motor can fail and an
emergency landing undertaken. However, if the motor fails in an adverse flight
state or on a heavily loaded Hoverboard, a crash will also occur here. This is
why for our most powerful system we chose eight propulsions (octocopter). This
system offers maximum failure back-up with excellent efficiency.
How long will a Height-Tech Hoverboard fly?
The flight time for our Hoverboards is generally
between 5 and 40 minutes.
The flight time depends on four factors:
– Batteries
– Flight task
– Wind velocity
– Net load weight
If the net load needed is low, the weight reduction
can be invested in batteries with higher capacity, thus longer flight time.
Multi-rotor Hoverboards are most efficient whilst
hovering or at low flight speeds. If, for example, during the filming of a car
chase a high flight speed is required, the power used will increase greatly,
reducing the flight time. In winds the behaviour will be similar to high flight
speeds. To stop in a position the Hoverboard will tilt toward the wind (wind
correction angle) to compensate wind with high thrust performance. The stronger
the wind, the higher the compensation required and the lower the flight time.
The net load carried is also very relevant to the flight time. The flight time
e.g. using a Canon 5D Mark II (1.2 kg) compared to a light live camera (100g)
is nearly cut in half!
How high and far can Hoverboards fly?
The range of the Hoverboard control is about 1.5
km. Export systems can achieve a range of up to 50 km. The range is limited due
to the mandatory (in Germany) visual contact between the pilot and the
aircraft. In the field our larger Hoverboards can therefore operate at a
perimeter and altitude of about 200m. When using the Hoverboard in the
mountains the limits are set by the low atmospheric pressure and low
temperatures. However, our Hoverboards have already been successfully used at
3,950 m above sea level and in temperatures of -15 °C.
Which sensors do you use to stabilise the Hoverboard?
We typically rely on the sensor data fusion of
rotational speed-, acceleration-, compass-, barometric pressure- and one GPS
sensor. The rotational speed- and acceleration sensors are used to determine
the position of the aircraft in an area. A compass sensor is needed in order to
correctly convert the GPS position data to capture the “line of vision” of the
aircraft. The barometric pressure sensor is needed to accurately position the Hoverboard
on the Z-axis (Altitude Hold). Using the consolidated position data and the GPS
position data the Hoverboard can determine and maintain the X- and Y-axis
(Position-Hold). In addition to the sensors they also require a number of
micro-controllers, up to 10 depending on the Hoverboard, with various tasks.
Which cameras can be used?
Our systems will currently carry the following
cameras:
Panasonic Lumix GH-2
Panasonic Lumix GF-1
Panasonic Lumix GF-2
GoPro HD
Ricoh GX 200
Canon 550D
Canon 5d Mark II
GoPro Hero 3
Sony NEX-7
Panasonic G3
Optris PI400/450
Canon 5D MK III
Optris PI400/450 + Panasonic GH3 (simultaneously)
Nikon D5200
Nikon D800
Panasonic GH3
Sony Alpha 7
Sony PJ 780
Optris PI400/450
Panasonic GH3
Of course we will gladly adapt your preferred
camera for use with our Hoverboards. The camera weight incl. camera mount,
however, mustn’t exceed the maximum net load. The interface for remote release
(infrared or USB) and, if applicable, analogue video output for the live
downlink on the camera to be used are important.
Which drive technology do you use?
Our Hoverboards are propelled by electricity. We
use state-of-the-art external rotor motors which change their speed several
hundred times a second. Using external rotor motors allows for propellers to be
directly propelled without a loud and heavy drive. These propellers with low
speeds are required for the high efficiency of the overall system. We use the
latest lithium polymer battery technology to guarantee the best possible power
to weight ratio.
The construction of these batteries is comparable
with batteries for mobile or laptops (LiIon), however have a greater current
rating.
What happens if my Hoverboard crashes?
After sending the Hoverboard to use we will review
the data of the flight data recorder. This allows us to determine the cause of
the crash (if unclear). We will simultaneously create a damage analysis and an
estimate (if the crash or damage was caused by you). The damage will then be
repaired as quickly as possible. Since we typically have all spare parts in
stock, your Hoverboard will usually be returned within a few days. If you
ordered the “First Class Package” (see “Service”), you will promptly receive a
replacement Hoverboard free of charge and will immediately be able to continue
working.
What makes your Hoverboards so unique?
The high degree of development in-the-field is the
greatest advantage of our Hoverboards. Our head of development and President,
Joseph Metz, has many years and more than a hundred flight jobs of experience
in the commercial use of Hoverboards developed in-house. His jobs have taken
him to many countries throughout the world where Hoverboards were used under
the most adverse conditions. This know-how influenced the development of our
robust Hoverboards suitable for daily use.
In addition, we will not leave you out in the rain
after purchasing one of our Hoverboards. We developed a concept for you to
gradually learn the safe use of our Hoverboards. Another service offered is our
support in obtaining the necessary ascent permits.
See what our Hoverboards have to offer.
Are the Hoverboard easy to fly?
We feel it is very important even for customers
without model flight experience to be able to control our Hoverboards. Our Hoverboards
feature a number of stabilising sensors so the pilot can focus on the actual
task, e.g. aerial photography.
It’s helpful to be able to fly a Hoverboard
manually without stabilisation aids in order to exhaust its maximum
capabilities. We therefore offer extensive flight training to each customer,
virtually as well as with a robust practice Hoverboard.
To date each of our customers learned how to handle
their Hoverboard from us. So can you.
Can Hoverboards also be used indoors?
The emission-free and silent electric drives of
course also allow our Hoverboards to be used indoors. Applications are e.g.
demo flights at trade fairs or film shots inside buildings. Due to the
typically limited space a suitable launch and landing site not accessible by
onlookers must be provided. Since the GPS and compass sensor technology is
typically extremely limited inside buildings, the pilot must be able to control
the Hoverboard manually.
Can the Hoverboard batteries also be charged on the
road, without outlets?
Of course our chargers can also be used in the car
(12V) via the cigarette lighter. This requires your car battery to be in good
condition. For extreme applications with frequent charging cycles on the road,
you also have the option to charge via solar panel. Depending on the mission
profile of the Hoverboard we will of course also provide you with a custom
solution as usual.
I need to travel by plane with the aircraft, will
this cause problems with the airlines?
The Hoverboard is typically checked in as luggage
inside the transport case. To date there have not been issues with airport
security with the exception of some enquiries and a smear test (testing for
residues of explosives). The batteries should be placed in the carry-on
luggage, wherein some airlines have restrictions with respect to the number and
size of batteries. Therefore please contact your airline to determine if you
will encounter problems.
Am I allowed to drop flyers or the like with my Hoverboard?
Dropping objects other than ballast (water, sand)
requires an ascent permit from the respective Luftfahrtbundesamt (Air Traffic
Order § 7.1). An ascent permit is typically very easy to obtain for objects
which do not pose a risk of injury (e.g. rose petals).
