Fischer Connectors’ UltiMate and MiniMax connectivity solutions have been incorporated into the Tundra, a ruggedized, multi-functional, modular UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) by Hexadrone that is about to enter production. Fischer’s solutions were selected due to their ability to withstand the harsh environments that the drone may be operating in.
The modular, multifunctional Tundra drone is designed as a development hub for system integrators, and is equipped with numerous interfaces for both COTS and custom accessories, sensors and other modules. Designers using the Tundra as the base for a UAS platform can rapidly adapt to changes in the industry and combat obsolescence. Three different models are available to suit a variety of missions and flight scenarios. The waterproof and durable Tundra can carry a payload of up to four kilos for a flight time of 30 minutes, and landing gear and arms can be attached in less than a minute, making transportation and field assembly easy.
Hexadrone selected Fischer Connectors’ high-performance, ultra-robust, push-pull connectivity solutions in order to ensure the Tundra could meet its technical requirements for modularity, reliability, durability, ruggedness and ease of use. The drone is equipped with a rugged Fischer UltiMate USB 2.0 connector that is waterproof and reliable in all conditions. The standard interfaces can accommodate external modules linked, among others, by Fischer MiniMax connectors and cabling, which optimize the high-density miniaturization of on-board electronics, such as a companion computer, a storage module, a security key or a lidar that the Tundra can be fitted with for certain aerial remote-sensing missions using lasers.
Alexandre Labesse, chairman and founder of Hexadrone, commented: “With this multifunctional, modular tool carrier, our customers are opening up the field of possibilities in their collaborative projects and lowering their development costs when they adapt the drone to users’ new needs and new technologies on the market. This is not possible with most of today’s drones, which are designed for a single type of use and quickly become obsolete due to rapid technological advances. In response to obsolescence, we’ve opted for adaptability and durability.”
Guy Lacroix, Director of Fischer Connectors France, said: “We’ve been supporting the Tundra’s innovations from the outset. Our experts are gratified to have been able to see the project through to serial production with suitable connectivity solutions. Since connectivity lies at the heart of this rugged UAV, our high-performance solutions proposed in this modular offering cover the whole range of integrators’ technical requirements in terms of robustness and reliability, miniaturization, sealing up to IP68, and data transmission.”
