Nothing surpasses the authenticity of real-world environments when testing drones, UAV & UAS. The outdoors can put your tech to the test with challenges like wind, rainfall, and varying light, which indoor settings cannot replicate. Venturing into these natural elements and subjecting drones to these conditions can ensure their readiness to handle any scenario, whether for scientific exploration, aerial photography, or critical missions like search and rescue. Testing in the field guarantees that your drones are equipped to perform optimally and reliably in diverse situations, making them invaluable tools for a wide range of applications.
Project Planning
Comprehensive and meticulous, ensuring seamless execution of netting solutions.
Design & Engineering Expertise
Innovative and experienced, delivering custom and efficient designs.
Unparalleled Work Ethic
Dedicated and committed, providing reliable and high-quality service.
Overview
Gorilla Netting was first approached by NASA in early 2018 to create a custom-built Drone Enclosure for Aerial Robotics Testing (UAS/UAV Technology Testing) in Pasadena, California.
JPL is owned by NASA and managed by the nearby California Institute of Technology (Caltech). NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s primary function is the construction and operation of planetary robotic spacecraft, though it also conducts Earth-orbit and astronomy missions. It is also responsible for operating the NASA Deep Space Network.
Gorilla Netting, in conjunction with NASA Engineers and Contractors, worked for over a year to research, plan, and design, the netted drone enclosure for their Aerial Robotics Testing Facility. The area in which this enclosure was installed is in rough terrain—this was done for the purpose of testing technology in this environment. The modular truss support system was used due to of the location of the installation, and for the intention of repurposing them at a later time.
As you will see from the photos in the Project Gallery, the sky is sometimes bright orange and there are some photos of wildlife. At the time of the installation, Gorilla Netting Crews worked through wildfires in close proximity to the JPL facility. In fact, during the project, JPL, Gorilla Netting Crew Members, and all other Contractors were evacuated for a few days until the smoke dissipated. This Drone Enclosure measures 100’L x 100’W x 70’H and features a confidential netting material, custom-made hardware, powerline/utility-grade hardware, and wire rope. The bottom portion of the netted enclosure is retractable to allow easy travel for wildlife and any flood waters to pass through without damage to the netting.
Our Drone Enclosures are designed to help with training on UAV systems, contain equipment in a natural, and safe environment for all. Additionally, the FAA considers Netted Drone Enclosures buildings, to which you can fly unregistered tech without having to obtain a drone pilots license.
Gorilla Netting only uses the highest quality made-to-order netting and ensures a full coverage 5-year warranty on material, labor, and equipment for turnkey netting installations.
For more information on netted drone testing enclosures, contact a Gorilla Netting representative today.
Client: University of Florida
Location: Pasadena, CA
Services: Netted Drone Enclosure
Challenge
Drone testing in outdoor environments presents many challenges due to the unpredictable nature of the elements such as wind, rain, and varying light conditions. These factors can significantly impact the performance and stability of drones, making it essential to assess their capabilities in real-world conditions.
Wind gusts can destabilize drones, affecting their flight path and maneuverability, while rain or snow can interfere with sensors and electrical components. Moreover, varying light conditions can affect the performance of cameras and other optical systems onboard.
Testing drones outdoors allows students & engineers to evaluate their resilience to these challenges, optimize their designs, and ensure their reliability and safety in diverse environmental conditions, ultimately leading to more robust and capable drone technologies for various applications ranging from surveillance and aerial photography to search and rescue missions.
Solution
Implementing a netted drone test enclosure system presents an optimal solution tailored to the needs of those seeking outdoor drone experimentation while mitigating potential risks. This innovative system features a spacious, open-air enclosure fortified with robust poles and netting, enveloping the testing area to provide a secure and controlled environment for drone research. The netting acts as a protective barrier, confining drones within the designated airspace while ensuring their unrestricted operation, safeguarding both the drones and nearby individuals from any unforeseen maneuvers or technical glitches.
Gorilla Netting offers customized enclosure designs capable of accommodating drones of varying sizes and research specifications. Whether conducting experiments with small consumer drones or large industrial UAVs, the enclosure can be tailored to meet specific scientific or educational requirements. Furthermore, its adaptable nature allows for future expansion or reconfiguration to align with evolving advancements in drone technology, making it a sustainable investment for ongoing research and development initiatives.
By embracing a netted drone test enclosure system, you can create a safe, adaptable, and technologically enriched environment conducive to advancing unmanned aerial systems research, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence.
