The Kraken - drone based data aquisition
Drone technology has been rapidly emerging. However, in the commercial sector where drones tend to operate with a payload of one sensor at a time only, there is a need to enable multisensor surveying. To reach this versatility, we introduce the ultimate heavy lift capable drone “The Kraken“ octocopter drone.
The Kraken is a redundant and customisable multicopter with a maximum thrust of 100kg produced with all 8 motors combined. The Kraken is completely designed with state-of-the-art CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs, CNC (computer numerical control) machined with the strong and light weight materials, and assembled completely in house with skilled engineers and technicians to the highest precision.
The Department of Exploration at the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg has specialized on drone based data acquisition with various payload categories. The Kraken is made for multi-payload survey missions and has been deployed in 2020 for various field works in Germany and abroad, with various sensors, e.g. hyperspectral camera, magnetometer, infrared thermal camera, short wave infrared camera and a few more sensor that are currently being tested.
Technical Specifications
| Serial number | HIFD20200001 |
| Dimensions |
Operational size: 2200x2200x1000 mm (LxWxH) Folded size: 1000x800x1000cm (LxWxH) |
| Drone configuration | Flat with rotor fail redundancy |
| Number of motors | 8 |
| Propellor size | 24.5” x 8.1” (diameter and pitch in inches) |
| Drone weight (w/o battery) | 14000 grams |
| Drone weight (with minimum battery configuration) | 16000 grams |
| Maximum take off weight | 25000 grams |
| Max speed | 80 km/h |
| Maximum controllable thrust | 75 kg |
| Power to weight ratio | 745 W/kg |
| Thrust to weight ratio | 3:3:1 |
| Body composition | Up to 75 % carbon fiber tubes and plates, aluminum hinges |
| Maximum altitude from take off point | 100 m (restricted with geo fencing in software) |
| Max flight time | 30 minutes (23 Kgs take off weight) |
| Max flight time with payload | 15 minutes (up to 10 kg payload) |
| Max wind resistance | Up to 12m/second |
| Operational temperature | 5 degrees to 40 degrees |
| Remote communication frequencies | 868 mHz |
| Payload capacity | 10 kg maximum payload lifted in the air |
Flight Controller & Electronic Speed Controller
| Flight controller type | Cube 2.1 Orange by Profi CNC |
| Firmware | Ardupilot 4.0.3 |
| Processor | STM32H753 |
| Redundancy | Triple IMU, dual compass, dual barometer, dual power input |
| ESC (Electronic Speed Controller ) | Max current 80 ampere |
GPS
| GPS type | GPS + GNSS 10 HZ |
| Receiver type | 72 channel ublox M8N engine |
| Processor and sensor | STM32F302, ICM20948 (compass, gyro, accelerometer), MS5611(barometer optional) |
Voltage Regulator
| Voltage regulator count | 5 (2x flight controller input, 2x payload input, 1x motor lights) |
| Available voltages | 5v/ 5.25v/ 6v/ 7.5v/ 12v/ 24v max with 3 amperage |
Battery
| Minimum battery capacity | Lipo 12S 50V 7500 mAh |
| Maximum battery capacity | Lipo 12S 50V 30000 mAh (Recommended) |
| Burst rating | Minimum 15C, maximum 25C |
| Battery connector | XT 60 |
| Number of battery inputs | 8 |
