Sagetech and Kraus Hamdani integrate UAV transponders with ArduPilot  

Aerospace technology company Sagetech Avionics, in partnership with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology company Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, has integrated its UAV transponders with ArduPilot.

According to ArduPilot, it is an open-source autopilot system designed to be able to control any vehicle system.

The integration of Sagetech UAV transponders with ArduPilot was tested on the K1000 Ultra Long Endurance (K1000ULE) fully electric UAV.

Sagetech Avionics CEO Tom Furey said: ”We’re thrilled to provide UAV innovators like Kraus Hamdani with reliable, integrated transponders for new platforms.

“The integration of time-proven systems like ArduPilot and Sagetech’s ADS-B transponders ensures the safe flight of unmanned aircraft in controlled airspace, over long ranges, beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS), and at night.”

With this partnership, Sagetech adds ArduPilot to its autopilots list that integrates with its XP Series of UAV transponders.

Last month, the company expanded its international reach through new agreements with international reseller organisations.

These will enable South African firm SSASS to provide Sagetech’s MX Series and XP Series of transponders to customers in Africa and the Middle East.

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace CTO and co-founder Stefan Kraus said: ”The use of transponders in compliance with aviation standards is a key step to advancing the UAV industry for safe integration into controlled airspace.

“Coupled with our contributions to the ArduPilot community for Sagetech’s low SWaP XP transponder, our fully autonomous K1000ULE platform can safely operate for extended periods in controlled airspace and at medium-to-high altitudes while carrying out complex missions.”

In June, Sagetech partnered with Spanish company Embention, a leading supplier of critical components for UAVs.