Sky-Drones AIRLink

The Sky-Drones AIRLink is an autopilot with integrated AI mission computer and LTE for mid-size multicopters. It is offered in two versions, Enterprise and Core, and combines flight controller, onboard computer and data link in one device.

The flight controller consists of an STM32F7 (216 MHz, 2 MB flash) and an STM32F1 for the outputs; the F7 is one processor tier below the H7 of current Pixhawk standards. The mission computer has six cores (2 × A72 and 4 × A53) and 4 GB RAM. Three IMUs and three barometers give the sensors a high degree of redundancy, and ArduPilot is the intended firmware. The interfaces are plentiful: 8 UART, 3 I2C, 2 CAN, 16 PWM, SBUS and PPM, Ethernet, WLAN, Bluetooth, LTE, two MIPI CSI and an HDMI input. Supply is 12 V. The Enterprise version measures 103 × 61 × 37 mm and weighs 198 g, the Core version 100 × 57 × 22 mm and 89 g.

The LTE connection eases flights with a data link over long distances, but flights beyond visual line of sight belong in the specific category in the EU. Class and Remote ID follow from the finished drone.

When selecting, keep the versions apart: the 198 g of the Enterprise version are more than twice the 89 g of the Core version. The 12 V supply calls for a matching power module or a voltage regulator. The mission computer produces heat; LTE antennas and camera connectors are the plug points checked under vibration. Autopilot firmware and the computer's operating system are maintained separately.