UAV Gradiometer System

AirGRAD

Our Supplier, GEM Systems, is

the global leader in the
manufacture and sale of high
precision magnetometers.

GEM Systems is the only commercial

manufacturer of Overhauser
magnetometers, that are accepted and
used at Magnetic Observatories over
the world.

Our Potassium Magnetometers are

the most precise magnetometers in
the world.
The AirGRAD is a complete turnkey system for towing under a UAV platform.
Our Proton sensors are considered the
most practical and robust The AirGRAD Surveying with UAV’s
magnetometers for general field use. The AirGRAD is the first and only vertical UAVs can be used to perform airborne
gradiometer currently available on the market, geophysical surveys, in particular aeromagnetic
Proven reliability based on designed specifically for UAV applications. At a surveys where mapping the spatial variations in
R&D since 1980. total net weight of 8.5 kg, the turnkey the Earth’s magnetic field can be used to further
gradiometer solution includes two high the understanding of the geology in areas where
We deliver fully integrated systems sensitivity, ultra-lightweight magnetometers as the mineral potential is being explored.
with GPS and additional survey well as all the components required for precise
capability with VLF-EM for UAV aeromagnetic surveys. UAV-borne magnetic surveys are less expensive
convenience and high productivity. than either airborne or ground surveys. They can
be carried out in areas that are too dangerous,
Today we are creating the absolute too remote, or too expensive to carry out with
best in airborne sensors and are manned aircraft or walking on the ground. UAV
leading the way with smaller and borne magnetic surveys can deliver better data
lighter sensors for practical UAV quality in environments where topography and
applications. safety standards prohibit manned aircrafts from
acquiring data at optimum terrain clearances.
At the core of the AirGRAD is GEM Systems
GEM Systems large potassium sensors modified, lightweight, high sensitivity Practical applications of UAVs are limited by
offer the highest sensitivity (20-50 fT) magnetometer. GEM Systems popular optically several factors. Aviation regulations and flight
for use in natural hazard research and pumped Potassium magnetometer offers the restrictions must be adhered to when operating
global ionospheric studies. highest sensitivity, absolute accuracy and most fixed wing UAVs. In addition limitations are
gradient tolerance in addition to the lowest also imposed around the use of rotory-wing
Our Leadership and Success in the heading error available in the industry. UAVs in and around built up areas. From a
World of Magnetics is
logistical point of view, one of the largest limiting
your key to success in applications A gradiometer is ideal for locating small, near
factors with respect to UAVs is that they have
from Archeology, Volcanology and surface anomalies, and it is therefore very useful
limited payload. In order for UAVs to make
UXO detection to Exploration and in archeological, geotechnical and environmental
practical survey flights, the survey equipment
Magnetic Observations Globally. mapping. One of the sensors used for the
must be light. GEM has developed light weight
gradient measurement can be used to obtain
geophysical instrumentation for UAVs.
total field data for analysis and interpretation.

Terraplus Inc. terraplus.ca

120 West Beaver Creek Rd, Unit #15 1.905.764.5505
Richmond Hill, ON, Canada, L4B 1L2 [email protected]
 Gradiometer Specifications
Components

AirGRAD Two (2) GSMP-35U (or 25U) magnetometers,

AirGRAD shell with 10m tow cable, laser altimeter,
IMU, GPS (0.7m resolution), RadioLink (base
station and remote), ground station computer
and GEM Airborne logger software, GEMDAS
Data acquisition Module, battery complete
(1 hour system operation) with charger, carrying
case, instruction manual, and GEMLink+ software
for File Transfer, Diurnal Corrections, Profiling
and Basic Mapping & Modeling

UAV Magnetometer Performance

Overall length of the AirGRAD is 4 meters with 1.5 m speration between the sensor pods.
Sensitivity: 0.0002 nT / √Hz (GSMP-35U)
Advantages of Potassium Optically AirGRAD Specifications 0.022 nT / √Hz (GSMP-25U)
Pumped Technology A laser altimeter is located in the nose pod, Resolution: 0.0001 nT
• Highest sensitivity, absolute accuracy and along with a Li-Po battery for one hour system Absolute Accuracy: ± 0.1 nT
gradient tolerance of all optically pumped operation (operational time can be increased Dynamic Range: 20,000nT to 120,000 nT
magnetometers available on the market upon customer request). A 2.4 GHz dual Low/High Field Options: 3000 to 350,000 nT
• Potassium narrow, single spectral line antenna RadioLink and GPS antenna are Gradient Tolerance: 50,000 nT/m
minimizes heading and orientation errors mounted on the aerodynamic airframe with the Sampling Rate: 1, 5, 10, 20 Hz
• Low maintenance cost of the sensors two GSMP-35U sensors installed on gimbals
• High quality results in areas of high inside the tail pods to allow for ± 45 degree Magnetometer Orientation
gradients rotation of each sensor. The system is towed by Sensor Angle: optimum angle 35° between
the UAV platform with a high strength / sensor head axis & field vector.
lightweight Dyneema tow cable. The housing Proper Orientation: 10° to 80° & 100° to 170°
shell weighs only 5.3 kg, and with all Heading Error: ± 0.05 nT between 10° to 80°
components added, including power, the bird and 360° full rotation about axis.
weighs just under 9 kg.
Environmental
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature: -70°C to +55°C
Humidity: 0 to 100%, splashproof

Dimensions & Weights

Sensor: 161mm x 64mm (external dia) with 2m
cabling ; 0.43 kg
The AirGRAD conveniently breaks down to Electronics Box: 236mm x 56mm x 39mm; 0.46 kg
smaller components and fits within a carrying
The self contained, self powered stand alone Power
case for easy shipping
system does not require any integration with
Power Supply: 22 to 32 V DC
the UAV's navigation or electrical systems.
The AirGRAD comes complete with 2 Power Requirements: approx. 40 W at start up,
Customer provided UAV’s dropping to 15 W after warm-up
GSMP-35U (or 25U) Potassium Before deciding on a particular UAV aircraft
Magnetometers, laser altimeter for altitude Power Consumption: 15 W typical at 20°C
with adequate range and payload for the Warm-up Time: <10 minutes at 20°C
tracking / post processing, IMU for GRAD
geophysical instruments, it is recommended
and sensor orientation, GPS navigation,
that the magnetic interference generated by Outputs
RadioLink, tow cable and carrying case.
the vehicle be assessed with a high sensitivity Outputs X, Y, altitude, UTC time, magnetic field,
portable magnetic gradiometer, operated by lock indication, heater, field reversal, GPS position
an experienced geophysicist. The UAV (latitude, longitude altitude, number of satellites)
vehicles should have a payload capacity of at
least 10 kg for minimum requirements. But GEM Systems provide an industry
before purchasing a UAV, contact us to leading 3 year Warranty
discuss your plans.

Terraplus Inc. terraplus.ca

120 West Beaver Creek Rd, Unit #15 1.905.764.5505
Richmond Hill, ON, Canada, L4B 1L2 [email protected]