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Hummingbird XRP

Hummingbird Viewed from the front

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Hybrid Power System

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Bringing Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Robotics to the Autonomous World

Reference Technologies announces its Hummingbird^(R) XRP (eXtended Range and Payload) Hybrid powered VTOL UAV.
Reference Technologies featured in latest issue of Unmanned Systems Technology magazine.
Reference Technologies announces its upgraded 13 Kw hybrid power system with multi-fuel capability

Reference Technologies releases its Hummingbird XRP performance data - 6+ hour flight duration with 30+ lb payload.

Ground Control Station (Portable)

The ReferenceTek ground control station components include the aircraft control and telemetry unit on the right and the optional live video link processor on the left.

Ground Control Station (Mobile)

The Mobile Ground Control Station is a completely autonomous flight operations van with its own 100 KW generator, air conditioning and heating system. The M-GCS has three pilot stations and three sensor stations with conference and observation areas. Internet service is provided via satellite dish and aircraft telemetry and control are linked via auto-tracking antennas. Voice communications are provided between ground based and airborne observers as well as FAA personnel and local airport authorities via UHF and VHF radios.

Hummingbird(R) XRP

The Hummingbird XRP is the company's newest Hybrid VTOL product providing flight duration in excess of 6 hours with a payload capacity in excess of 30 pounds. In addition, the aircraft has eight hard points for client payloads with the ability to remotely deploy or retain payloads depending on mission requirements. With a hybrid power system that generates over 10kW, reserve power can be provided to client payloads./p>

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what type of aircraft is best for my applications?
Where can I fly my UAS?
Do I need formal instruction before I fly my UAS?
Are ReferenceTEK UAS aircraft FAA Certified?
What is the difference between ReferenceTEK's "Standard" UAS and its "Hybrid" UAS?
When will the Hybrid UAS be available?

How do I know what type of aircraft is best for my applications?

ReferenceTEK focuses on two market segments; 1) Group 3 - Government operated UAS with a gross takeoff weight in excess of 55 pounds and 2) High end commercial operations.
1. What is the application? (Still photography, live video, remote sensing, etc.)
2. Mission duration? (Flight time requirements - 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours or longer?)
3. Autonomous and/or manual flight modes? (Will the mission require automated flight capability such as; way-points, orbit around a point of interest (POI), un-attended loiter, failsafe capability, etc.)
4. Will the mission require payloads? Will the payloads require deployment? What will the payloads weigh?

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Where can I fly my UAS?

We will assume that you are intending to use your UAS in a commercial environment either for your own purposes or as a service to another entity. The simple fact that you will be operating the UAS for monetary consideration eliminates operation under the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) rules and if you are operating with any form of radio interface, you are not permitted to use Amateur Radio Frequencies. (even if you hold a General or Extra class license)
Since the rules of operation are in their infancy and literally changing every month, we will only provide you with a summary of the known requirements as of the date of this writing.
As a commercial operator you are subject to the current rules, regulations and advisories of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Currently, the UAS flight environment is considered by the FAA to include the entire National Air Space (NAS). (from the ground up)
To legally fly a UAS that weighs in excess of 55 pounds (gross takeoff weight) in the NAS you are required to have a Certificate of Authorization aka COA or a 3.3.3. exemption issued by the FAA. At the present time, a Part 107 license is not applicable to UAS 55 pounds and over. In addition, all flights are currently required to be done within line of sight of the operator/pilot, below 400 feet AGL (above ground level), during daylight hours, and 3 to 5 miles from public use airports.
We strongly recommend that you review the online documentation at the FAA's website at: www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas

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Do I need formal instruction before I operate my UAS?

YES. Formal classroom instruction and actual hands-on flight training is a requirement in purchasing any UAS from ReferenceTEK. The purpose of the formal training has several components:
1. The warranty program requires all operators to complete and pass a flight training program prior to independent flight operations.
2. Liability issues require clients to comply with ReferenceTEK's own flight safety standards (FSSs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) which dictate that all of its clients will be exposed to the same levels of flight safety and training that are expected of its own corporate flight operations.

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Are ReferenceTEK UAS aircraft FAA Certified?

Not at this time. ReferenceTEK intends to have each model of UAS inspected by the FAA for certification of air worthiness. This is in compliance with the flight safety standards established by the company which help ensure that all aircraft meet design performance and reliability goals prior to manufacturing and subsequent sales.

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What is ReferenceTEK's "Hummingbird XRP" Hybrid powered UAS?

The "Hummingbird XRP" Hybrid UAS is the latest offering from ReferenceTEK with proprietary design elements that extend the flight performance to the following "enhanced" specifications; flight duration beyond 6 hours, air speed over 50 MPH, payload capacity in excess of 30 pounds and payload hard-points for aerial or ground level remote deployment.
These flight duration statistics are influenced by several mission and environmental conditions such as; battery/fuel configuration, payload, flight altitude, air density/temperature, flight plan speeds, etc.