INTA created a stable and flexible data acquisition system that can be used on all their UAV for flight testing and operations. The System Acra KAM-500 data acquisition unit (DAU) connected to a variety of sensors. A network switch provides the communication backbone for the DAU interface with the flight control system. The Results 30% reduction in weight of the data acquisition system Reduced instrumentation, configuration and programming time by 40% Fully integrated future proof air-to-ground system More details available at www.cwc-ae.com.

1. INTA created a stable and flexible
data acquisition system that can
be used on all their UAV for flight
testing and operations.
The System
Acra KAM-500 data acquisition
unit (DAU) connected to a variety
of sensors. A network switch
provides the communication
backbone for the DAU interface
with the flight control system.
The Results
• 30% reduction in weight of the
data acquisition system
• Reduced instrumentation,
configuration and
programming time by 40%
• Fully integrated future proof
air-to-ground system
Acra KAM-500 Data
ACQUISITION ONBOARD
HADA UAV FAMILY
HC-130H

2. COMMERCIAL OFF-THE-SHELF
MODULAR DESIGN
The System
The system is unique as it acquires data during both flight testing
and operational flights. It comprises
• Acra KAM-500 as the main DAU onboard
• Solid state recorder to record a PCM data stream from the
sensors
• Ethernet Switch to link the DAU, Onboard Intelligent Health
Monitor and Flight Control System
• Bit synchronizer / Smart Source Selector / Decommutator in
the Ground Control System
• GS Works 7 software for real-time playback, analysis & data
sharing
The airborne system acquired the following data
• Flight Dynamics
• Engine Dynamics
• Structural conditions
Acra KAM-500 DAU is
connected to the following
measurement devices
• Pressure, temperature and
RPM sensors
• Velocity, orientation and
gravitational force sensors
• A weathervane
• A magnetometer
• An altimeter radio
• Resistance temperature
sensors
• Potentiometers
• A fuel flow meter

3. COMPACT &
LIGHTWEIGHT
“The KAM-500 gives us
the ability to create flexible
PCM streams with video and
data ensuring the right data
gets to the ground at the right
time.This combined with its
small footprint makes it the
perfect device for UAVs
where flexibility, reduction in
size and weight is crucial.
The Results I
Reduction in data acquisition system weight by 30%
The Acra KAM-500’s compact design achieved a
smaller, lighter and more cost effective solution than
the alternative.
• The compact size was achieved by integrating the
functionality of a video encoder, GPS, engine
monitor and power system monitor into a single,
light weight modular device
• Cabling is significantly reduced in the Ethernet
networked system
• The light weight system was accompanied by a
low price without compromising capability or
reliability
• It also lowered the system design, integration and
functional risk in the project.
“
Rafael Gonzalez Armengod
R&D Area Head Flight Test and
Armament, INTA

4. Acra always has an engineer
on hand that knows our
system well, speaks our
language and responds
without delay. The excellent
level of support is one of the
reasons we keep coming
back.
“
The Results II
Reduced instrumentation, configuration and
programming time by 40%
The system has been tried, tested and proven:
• INTA can quickly instrument a new or prototype
aircraft
• Only need to make platform specific modifications
The use of an Ethernet networked system
• reduces the installation complexity and wiring
requirements
• simplifies the integration with other Ethernet devices
• creates a clear path for system growth
The decision to purchase COTS equipment from Acra
reduced the cost and risk of the project while helping
to accelerate the program.
“
WORKS ONCE
WORKS ALWAYS

5. HIGH QUALITY DATA
FLIGHT AFTER FLIGHT
The Results III
Future proof, fully integrated air-to-ground system
The flexibility of the KAM-500 DAU allows INTA
• to find a suitable configuration
• alter input/output parameters without requiring
system modifications
• to use the system on multiple platforms with only
specific platforms modifications to implement
• facilitates simplified integration with onboard
network devices utilizing standard open
interfaces and protocols
KAM-500 products have proven their flexibility and
reliability in the most demanding of UAV programs.
Acra KAM-500
Lowers Risk
Proven on every platform type in
all environmental conditions
COTS hardware with short delivery
times
Reduces Cost of Ownership
Reduced inventory of spares due
to common product line
Lower installation, setup and
maintenance requirements
Modular design greatly extends
system lifetime
FTI by Design
Designed to minimize the data
transfer time from sensor to screen
Guaranteed predictable data
Simultaneous sampling occurs
across the complete system

6. For more information visit
www.cwc-ae.com
Curtiss-Wright Controls Avionics & Electronics
cwc-ae@curtisswright.com
665 North Baldwin Park Boulevard
City of Industry, CA 91746, USA
Phone: 626-851-3100
Landscape House, Landscape Road
Dublin 14, Ireland
Phone: +353-1295-1264