R&D: On the Kiwi horizon | ADM Oct 2009
The R&D effort in New Zealand has a focus on smart technology in niche areas.
ADM's Wellington correspondent Nick Lee-Frampton has a look at some of the local offerings with global applications.
Nick Lee-Frampton | Wellington
The latest version of ikeGPS, the world's first integrated GPS/laser/camera device for GIS data capture, was released by Wellington company Surveylab in September.
A hand-held, remote data capture device, ikeGPS combines in one unit a digital camera, a laser range-finder, a 3D compass and GPS.
Leon Toorenburg, Surveylab's CEO, says the new 1000 series is "faster, longer-ranged, tougher, smaller, lighter and more accurate than anything else in its market segment."
Terry Ross, VP International Sales, told ADM about the improvements the new model introduces to the ikeGPS range.
"Specifically, the GPS is twice as accurate in autonomous mode, the compass is three to four times more accurate and the laser range-finder is significantly more accurate because we have gone from an analogue design to a digital design.
"Not only is the product lighter, it's also tougher - the Ingress Protection rating is now IP67 and it's MIL standard.
"Translated, that means the 1000 series is completely dust proof and also waterproof to a depth of one metre.
"It has a faster and more rugged computer and a display that is more easily read in bright sunlight.
"In all ways, it's better."
Ross said the laser range-finder is effective to 1000 metres and the digital camera's resolution can be up to five MP.
A more subtle feature is the color-coded rubber grips of the new model, which mean ikeGPS can be customised to a customer's requirement.
Physically, the unit is 30cm long, weighs 1.2kg and will operate for between six and eight hours on the power of its li-polymer batteries.
The user points ikeGPS at a building or feature up to a kilometer away and with one button press obtains a verifiable, geo-tagged digital image of the target.
Recently ikeGPS has been used for such tasks as mapping minefields, assessing earthquake damage and supporting US military engineering activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Flightcell
Flightcell's DZM satellite communications and tracking hub, described by its manufacturers as the world's "most advanced Iridium satellite phone communication and tracking system" recently took another world first title.
Flightcell's DZM entered the market in 2007 and was ordered to supply the USAF's KC-10 tanker fleet and also is in use aboard the UH-60 helicopters operating in Afghanistan.
Australia is also trialing DZM on Oakey based UH-60s.
However, the specification has advanced significantly since then, partly to satisfy a US Special Forces customer's requirements, but also in response to a South American air force's RFP.
These additions include a GPS engine sending position reports to a ground station and, in partnership with another NZ company, Tracplus Global, a mapping solution showing exactly where the aircraft is with alert messages automatically triggered in the event of an emergency.
Moreover, after winning a RFP from the Columbian government Flightcell developed even more features, resulting late last year in the DZM2.
The Columbian Air Force required encrypted voice and data transmission for their entire fleet.
"There wasn't an instant solution," FlightCell's Hamish Neill said.
"What we developed is a Type Two encryption.
"There is a Type One encryption capability for Iridium based comms in the US, but ours is a commercial grade encryption that we can use in defence and government organizations around the world.
"It doesn't carry the red tape that is attached to Type One, it doesn't have to be manufactured and supplied inside the US.
"No-one else has done this.
"Our embedded AES 256-bit voice and data encryption is a world first.
"We knew and felt we could do it but it was a hard thing to do."
Other features include a ground station to integrate encrypted transmissions into PBX systems, NVG compatibility and a "unique" dual mode (SMS and SBD) messaging architecture means the DZM2 can transmit position reports even when the Iridium phone is in use for a voice call.
Off road
Another world first, also from the South Island, is more down to earth.
Invented and created by Mike Hodgkinson of FX Bikes in Christchurch is a remarkably light off-road motorbike, described as the world's first ‘Mountain Moto.'
The NZ Army has tested the bike and the US Army has enquired about acquiring some examples for testing, Hodgkinson told ADM.
Weighing a mere 125lb (57kg) fully fuelled, the FX bike is powered by a 125cc engine, has an automatic gearbox and unusually for a full-sized off-road bike its seat height is just 31 inches.
"Virtually anyone can touch the ground when they need to.
"It provides terrific clearance for stand-up riding and allows great control for extreme terrain," Hodgkinson explained.
Hodgkinson has spent more than five years developing the Mountain Moto which is light enough to be carried on a bicycle carrier bolted to the back of a car.
An FX for on-road use, equipped with lights and with 200km range is planned.
Production presently is low volume but earlier this year a deal with an offshore motorcycle production company for full-scale production was signed, once FX has completed establishing the necessary international infrastructure.
"We will continue to be responsible for development, marketing and customer relationships, and [the factory will be] in charge of manufacturing and parts supply."
Also on the vehicle front, the Pivotal engine (so-called because of its pivoting piston) is not yet in full rate production.
"The Pivotal engine is light and small, so we have focused on development for applications including military, portable, stand alone generators," says Paul McLachlan, director of Pivotal Engineering, another Christchurch based company.
After 12 years of development work on the engine, the company is moving to a series production level and engaging in optimisation programs for specific fuels.
"At the Center for Automotive Research in Columbus, Ohio we will develop the engine for JP8 fuel and in partnership with Argonne National Laboratories in Illinois.
"We're planning to exploit the Pivotal engine's potential using hydrogen or hydrogen blended with other gaseous or liquid fuels.
"With a hydrogen powered Pivotal engine generator coupled to solar or wind energy hydrogen production, the complete unit can deliver sustainable, clean power, ideal for high power density vehicles such as high altitude, long endurance UAVs," said McLachlan.