42 Focus | Performance monitoring configured to produce specific sounds such as a voice alert. Generative AI with text-to-speech capability can be used to generate these alarms, acknowledging that some alarms are more important than others and allowing the notifications to be tuned to assist the operator. Automatic actions can be implemented so that the system runs performance monitoring checks on engine temperature and fuel at each waypoint, with a fall-back position that ensures that the mission continues even if communication is lost. The operator is supplied with a lot of information, although much of it is not useful during a mission. Therefore, performance monitoring is a balance between assessing all the information available and considering the usability of the data. This comes in the integration phase of building a UAV, when the thresholds are defined for the sensors, and decisions are made regarding how the system will react automatically to what is going on and what the operator might need to consider. Spoofing detection One of the key points of hardware in contested environments is to detect the most sophisticated spoofing attacks. If the system detects loss of the GNSS signal, it must decide whether it is a genuine loss of signal or a spoofing incident. The system uses its own internal sensors to check the information from the GNSS, even when the drift is small, and if spoofing is detected, the channel is closed. Vibration analysis Vibration analysis in UAVs is crucial for ensuring flight stability, sensor accuracy and overall system health. By analysing vibrations, it’s possible to detect anomalies, prevent failures and optimise performance. Common methods include frequency analysis, modal analysis and finite element analysis, which are often used in combination with machine learning techniques for more robust realtime monitoring. Vibrations can negatively impact sensor data (accelerometers and gyroscopes) used for flight control, potentially leading to instability and even loss of control. High vibrations can introduce noise into sensor readings, affecting the accuracy of state estimation and navigation systems. Excessive vibrations can cause fatigue, damage and premature failure of critical components such as motors, propellers and electronic systems. Vibrations can also impact the stability of cameras and other imaging systems, leading to blurry or distorted images. Vibration can come from many sources, and there are key challenges in separating these out. Imbalances in propellers are a major source of vibration, while motor vibrations can be caused by manufacturing defects, wear and tear or imbalances. Airflow around the UAV can also generate vibrations, especially in windy conditions, and these vibrations can be transmitted through the UAV’s frame and other structural components. Vibration analysis can help identify imbalances, bearing faults or other issues in rotating components such as motors and propellers, allowing for timely maintenance and prevention of catastrophic failures. There are several techniques for detecting vibrations as part of performance monitoring. Frequency analysis decomposes vibration signals into their frequency components to identify specific vibration patterns associated with different components or faults. Modal analysis determines the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the UAV structure, helping to identify potential resonance issues. Rotor imbalance in quadrotor UAVs in particular poses a critical challenge, compromising flight stability, increasing maintenance demands and reducing overall operational efficiency. Traditional vibration analysis methods, such as the fast Fourier transform and wavelet analysis, often struggle with nonstationary signals and real-time data processing, limiting their effectiveness under dynamic UAV operating conditions. One of the key challenges in UAV maintenance is addressing rotor imbalances caused by misalignment, structural wear or damage. These imbalances generate abnormal vibration patterns, compromising flight stability, increasing maintenance needs and reducing overall operational effectiveness. August/September 2025 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Dials can provide a better interface for UAV operators (Image courtesy of UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía)
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