Date: May 12, 2011 Source: Microwave Journal (
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TiaLinx Inc. announced the launch of the Phoenix50-H. The quad coaxial mini-copter system is capable of performing multiple functions such as detecting movement or breathing of a hiding person in a compound from a sloped roof. The mini-copter can be remotely controlled at extended standoff distances of more than multiples of 100 feet from ground or an airborne asset to keep the operators out of harm's way.
The lightweight and agile mini-copter with programmability to fly to or land at multiple waypoints has been integrated with TiaLinx's fine beam ultra-wideband (UWB), multi-Gigahertz radio frequency (RF) sensor array. An onboard microphone and video camera augment the sensor capability of Phoenix50-H. TiaLinx's advanced real-time and light weight UWB RF imaging system was an essential step in the development of Phoenix50-H to operate at high elevations for prolonged missions. The transmitted power of the UWB signal is less than a typical cellular phone.
Through a software controlled interface, which is integrated into a laptop or joystick controller unit, Phoenix50-H can be remotely guided from extended distances to perform mission critical tasks. Innovations in mechanical design of the system allows for smooth landing and take-off from sloped roofs. This advanced feature allows for monitoring a premise under surveillance for enhanced situational awareness or rescue operations of hard to access buildings.
The ultra light weight RF Scanner is mounted on a lightweight mini-copter and transmits wideband signals that are highly directional and can penetrate roofs at an extended range. In the receiver, a signal detector circuit is employed to capture the reflections from targets. Amplitude and delay information are then processed in an integrated signal processor.
Users' feedback from our past evaluations indicate that a remotely controlled system at an extended range from an operator point of view is essential for safety and completion of a critical mission. Phoenix50-H's introduction is intended to provide another breakthrough in miniaturization of advanced life detection sensors in compounds and to keep the operators at least few hundred feet away. Combined operations of Phoenix50-H and its sister product Cougar20-H enable scans of a multi-story building from air and land remotely," commented Dr. Fred Mohamadi, Founder and CEO of TiaLinx. "TiaLinx is constantly miniaturizing and upscaling its UWB RF imaging core competence to enable extended standoff sensing of a premise for enhanced situational awareness without jeopardizing the operator."
