OPATS The Laser-based

Automatic Landing System

for UAVs
Introduction

The landing procedure for UAVs is still a very delicate operation, and
RUAG developed the OPATS system for the Swiss Air Force. Experience
the most critical phase during the entire UAV flight. OPATS (Object
with several thousand automatic landings have shown that OPATS
Position and Tracking Sensor) is a laser-based automatic landing
is a reliable, precise, easy-to-operate and cost-effective system
system for UAVs that represents a cost-efficient alternative to radar-
for UAV autolanding. It was demonstrated that a landing area of
based UAV landing systems.
20 m x 200 m is sufficient for touchdown and full stop. This perfor-
mance was achieved in cold and hot areas, in rain and snow, both
The key feature of the OPATS system is the continuous position
day and night.
measurement of the approaching UAV by means of an eye-safe,
infrared laser beam which is echoed back from a passive and option-
RUAG has delivered more than 130 OPATS to various customers
ally heated retroreflector on the UAV.
worldwide.

The measured position data is continuously transmitted to the Ground

Control Station (GCS), processed, and used to control the UAV on its
glide path via the data uplink to the UAV.

OPATS system

Key characteristics

Laser-based optical system

Laser sensor on a movable platform

Electronic unit, powered by a rechargeable battery

Retroreflector mounted on the front of the UAV, optionally heatable

Eye-safe laser operating in a near infrared spectrum for better atmosphere

penetration at poor visibility

Landing area of 20 m x 200 m is sufficient for touchdown and full stop

UAV tracking supervisable via the built-in video camera

OPATS principle

The landing process begins when the UAV

enters a predetermined window in the sky
and the eye-safe, infrared laser beam is
reflected by the retroreflector on the UAV.
UAV Autolanding Control Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) From that moment onwards the UAV is caged,
Deviation from Glide Path
and its positions are continuously measured
while the laser beam tracks the UAV.

UAV Flight control

The measured position is transmitted to the
GCS, processed, and used to control the UAV
on its glide path via a data uplink to the UAV.
OPATS uses the echoed laser signals to track
the UAV until the end of the landing phase.
This permits control of the UAV on a
predetermined landing approach path until
touchdown, and, if required, taxiing on the
runway.
OPATS Ground control station
Transmission of data

Equipment on UAV
The only equipment required on the UAV
are one or two optical retroreflectors with a
diameter of 60 mm. These can be flexibly
integrated on the front of the UAV, either on
the nose or under the wing.

In order to avoid icing and condensation

before and during the landing phase, an
optional heating unit for the glass cover is
also available.

UAV equipment
Key benefits and advantages

03.14/Prop-UAV_OPATS Brochure_E2
Key benefits in comparison to radar-based automatic landing systems Unit pictures
Minimal passive equipment on the UAV

Cost-effective system for UAV landing

Difficult to detect (no electromagnetic fields or interference)

Limited system complexity (minimal equipment on the UAV, etc.)

Laser sensor

Advantages of an automatic UAV landing system

Precise guidance of the UAV during the approach and landing phase, thus
maximum safety from human errors during landing

Training of external pilots not required

Less flight noise in training area

Prevents landing damage of UAV

Fast and easy deployment

Electronic unit with spare slot

Reliable during day and night, in rain and snow (e.g. fibre optic interface)

Reliable data of the actual UAV position

Functions in GPS-denied environment

Little maintenance required

Quick turnaround of UAV for next mission

Container for sensor and platform

RUAG Aviation
Seetalstrasse 175 | P.O. Box 301 | 6032 Emmen | Switzerland
Phone +41 41 268 41 11 | Fax +41 268 39 95 | subsystems.aviation@ruag.com
www.ruag.com/aviation

Legal domicile:
RUAG Switzerland Ltd | Seetalstrasse 175 | P.O. Box 301 | 6032 Emmen | Switzerland