robotic helicopters

[VJ]

Apparently, Yamaha makes and sells remote controlled helicopters that can be used for cropdusting (over 1600 in use in Japan!) and filming movies and tv commercials. They can be equipped with GPS's to fly autonomously (outside radio range).

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/business/sky/agricultural/advantage/

However, 9 of those helipcopters which were ready to be shipped to China have been seized, as apparently they were in violation of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law.

http://www.defensetech.org/archives/002117.html

The helicopters were the GPS equipped variants, which might be used for chemical and biological warfare, and observation.


I just wonder if it makes sense: I mean, if China wanted unmanned helicopters for 'questionable' uses, wouldn't they just build them themselves?


Jörg

[TransformX]

Apparently not. Or else Israel wouldn't be such a strong supplier of unmanned small aircrafts worldwide.
I don't know much about the technology involved, but apparently it's an area of very high expertese.

[Dr Mordrid]

Those Yamaha helo-UAV's are extremely advanced, though they had their start as automated cropdusters. Humble origins aside the tech of their guidance systems is such that they can operate autonomously in many modes and their cams even have object recognition.

Not your everyday R/C flyer

Dr. Mordrid

[KvHagedorn]

Don't give the terrorists any more ideas.. this puppy is an over-the counter smart bomb.

[Dr Mordrid]

The original cropduster was the R-50;



Which evolved into the industrial RMAX and later into the RMAX Autonomous Helicopter;

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/business/sky/solution/rmax/index.html

Object recognition etc. are developments being made by both Yamaha and outside researchers, including the US military....in particular the US Navy for use on surface ships like cruisers, carriers and the new class of fast attack catamarans.

I want one

Dr. Mordrid

[Nowhere]

One of the copters or one of the "cruisers, carriers..."?