We see all aspects of space as well as the field of autonomous Unmanned
Aircraft (“drones”) as future key enablers for applications that currently seem hardly
imaginable. Therefore, we are conducting high-end research and prototyping in all
aspects of spearheading technologies that might become relevant for “New Space” and
drones in this decade and the next.
Wherever possible, theoretical research is supported by and extended into practical
tests with actual software and hardware to increase the robustness of results.
Special focus hereby is on rapid prototyping in the areas of experimental rockets
and unmanned aircraft systems.
AMDC GmbH is looking into future space applications linked to “New Space” and “Responsive Space”, including space system architectures, launcher concepts, green propellants, and new integrated space services for commercial and defence solutions.
Liquid Rocket Concept
Concepts for sounding rockets and space launchers that meet the criteria of “Responsive Space” – quick, cheap, and reliable access to space.
Design and prototyping of high performance propulsion systems, including detailed performance analyses, new prototyping approaches, spectral studies, revolutionary green propellants, and actual hot-fire tests.
AMDC manages a Global Launch Database of worldwide civilian and military rocket launches since World War 2. The data can be used for a huge variety of analyses and visualizations.
Global Rocket Launches with Intended Peak Altitude Above 80 km 2008-2017
AMDC designs, develops and tests small experimental rockets that demonstrate new approaches to modularity, flight control, and prototyping. Cooperation with student groups in experimental flight activities ensures exchange of know how and experiences with the next generation of aerospace engineers. In addition AMDC is analyzing the environmental impact of rocket launches.
The videos show the test flight of a small reusable experimental rocket, that was realized together with the Institute of Flight System Dynamics at the Technical University Munich. The rocket features a modular design that allows quick and easy substitution of the guidance system module, including an optional sensor package, and the propulsion module. Various combinations are possible.
Test flight July 2021
The philosophy behind this engine prototype is “cheap, simple, and variable”. This pressure-fed engine features a ceramic shell for structural integrity, a simple capacity-cooled combustion chamber, and an exchangable injector plate, which allows hotfire tests with various propellant combinations and mixture ratios. From the beginning, the engine is designed as a flight model, and is capable to power small suborbital rockets.
AMDC Liquid-Fueled Engine
As more and more rockets are launched, the environmental aspects of exhaust plumes become more important. AMDC is analyzing the structure and chemical composition of exhaust plumes based on simulation tools and measurements.
In 2020 and 2021 measurements were performed in Trauen during hot firing tests of a 1o kN hybrid engine of the WARR e. V. in the DLR test facility
Plume measurement results
AMDC is developing small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) as
prototypes
or demonstrators based on customer specifications. Our current focus is on
˙ Development of sUAS (< 25 kg) for different applications
˙ Building of
sUAS demonstrator platforms for AI based image recognition systems
˙ Analysis, optimization and modification of sUAS
˙ Counter-UAS effectors based on sUAS
AMDC develops UAS prototypes up to 25 kg with different airframe configurations, e.g. multicopter, conventional wing, delta wing or cruciform wing.
The adjacent image gives an impression of a cruciform wing prototype design, which is currently under development. First step of the design process for a new UAS prototype is the requirement definition. This includes e.g. maximum size and weight, payload, endurance and manoeuvrability. Based on the requirements, an airframe configuration is chosen and a first concept with all necessary subsystems is developed.
Cruciform airframe design
Analysis and optimization of sUAS is necessary for new sUAS design concepts or for the optimization of existing sUAS.
For both applications, AMDC uses CFD-tools operating at low Reynolds Numbers. With these tools, the forces and moments in typical flight attitudes are calculated and the relevant aerodynamic coefficients for a 6-DoF-simulation are determined.
AMDC has developed several 6-DoF-simulation models for different airframe configurations. For a new sUAS design, usually an available 6-DoF model is modified, which takes only a few weeks. This process includes the implementation of a first autopilot, appropriate for the specific airframe.
With the 6-DoF-simulation model, flight performance analyses are executed. If the performance fulfills the requirements, the construction phase begins. Otherwise a redesign takes place or the requirements have to be changed.
Calculation of aerodynamic forces with CFD-tools
Already in the design phase, the CAD based construction process begins, because for the analysis and optimization of the sUAS it is necessary to know the size, weight and performance of all subsystems.
For prototypes or demonstrators, usually the key factor is the development time. Hardware costs are less important. Therefor AMDC has a long collaboration with certain vendors and we choose well known subsystems or components from these vendors. Also we have a very short order process. In this way, the construction and building time is minimized and it is possible to build a new prototype in 6 months after requirement specification.
Cruciform sUAS construction
AMDC has developed its own onboard electronics system. Core of the system is the flight controller board with two microcontrollers and various onboard sensors (6 Inertial Measurement Units, Barometer, Magnetometer and GPS). The board also provides a variety of interfaces (USB, Ethernet, RS232, UART, SPI and I2C).
The flight controller board can be combined with a JETSON XAVIER NX on an AMDC carrier board. This supercomputer with up to 21 TOPS is mainly used for onboard AI-applications and mission computing in the case of automated or autonomous flight.
Based on the JETSON hardware, AMDC is able to provide ready-to-use AI-object recognition systems based on customer specifications.
Flight Controller Board
The onboard Electronics systems can be controlled by a GCS,
developed by
AMDC. The GCS provides:
˙ Planning of fixed flight routes
˙ Planning of autonomous flights
˙ Control of the UAS during flight
˙ Monitoring of UAS parameters
˙ Display of video streams from UAS cameras
AMDC offers prototypes of high-performance multicopters. These prototypes are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, providing the flight state data with frequencies of up to 800 Hz. This allows the usage of complex filter structures to implement different controlling and navigation strategies.
The controller software is entirely designed and developed by AMDC. Besides the typical flight scenarios, the software comes with extensive safety features and enables autonomous mission execution.
The flight cell of the multicopter is made of carbon fiber reinforced and polycarbonate parts, resulting in a high thrust to weight ratio of approximately 4. The maximum hover duration comes close to 30 min.
The multicopter is equipped with a gimballed daylight camera and is capable of carrying various additional payloads. Besides the typical reconnaissance missions like object detection and classification, it can also perform Counter-UAS tasks.
High performance multicopter with >4g acceleration, gimballed camera system and onboard artificial intelligence system
AMDC supports hot-fire test campaigns of rocket engines to extend the database of rocket exhaust phenomena and emissions. This allows to create a scientific base to improve the understanding of the effects the rocket engines have on the environment. Combining actual measurements with theoretical simulations will increase the accuracy of predictions on environmental stress by rocket tests and launches. Considering the current developments in the New Space arena, an improved understanding of this problem is becoming increasingly relevant.
The next step in this task was the support and scientific survey of the hot-fire tests of Munich WARR student group’s WARR Ex-3 hybrid rocket engine in October 2020.
Project Cryosphere – Static Fire Campaign Trauen (c) 2020 WARR
For more information on WARR and the Ex-3 rocket project, visit the WARR and Project Cryosphere websites.
For up-to-date information on further developments, follow the Cryosphere Instagram account and watch for new content at YouTube.
