Application Note
UAV tank level measurement
Accuracy and robust construction in a lightweight package
Background
For maximum endurance and payload transportation capability many UAV manufacturers turn to ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) powered flight. Electric propulsion has its place, but for maximum energy density batteries are not currently at the level of modern fossil fuels.Â
While the ICE drives the propellers the UAV management system must keep a close eye on the fuel level to ensure a successful return to base. This can be particularly important in cases where the UAV is delivering a variable payload or the payload weight properties change during the flight.
Challenge
With any UAV development there is a weight to performance gain ratio that must be met to justify the inclusion of a component. After all, any component added to the flying weight of the craft means lower payload and/or less overall range. These are 2 key areas in which manufacturers of UAVs must compete in a rapidly expanding market place.
With every drop of fuel being critical to headline performance it is essential that the UAV management system knows the tank level down to the last drop. A challenge that some level sensors are not able to offer due to standard manufacturing lengths or product limitations.
Solution
LevelLite has been supplied into the UAV market for over 5 years. Many of the top names in the industry trust the stringent quality and performance standards of Gill’s product to relay accurate and reliable fuel and oil levels.
Independently tested to high standards and with quality guarantees, LevelLite is the defacto industry standard for the UAV market.
With a surprisingly compact, yet robust, aluminium design the sensor ticks the box for light weight construction optimising its weight to performance gain.
Users specify the sensor length down to the millimeter, ensuring every drop of fuel can be measured and used for flight performance.
LevelLite sensors, also commonly referred to as level senders, provide critical data for UAV flight in craft like the unmanned UAV pictured.
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LevelLite
Quality tested to high standards: IP68 & IP66, EMC, shock and vibration. Available for tank depths to 750mm deep, 0-5V analogue communication.
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