Unattended Aircraft, rockets and weather balloons designed

Dr. Javier Avalos Garcia, researcher at the Department of Technology and Electronic Processes, explained that although airborne platforms can have multiple applications, the goal of ITESO is that they serve as support in scientific research as well as meteorology. He added that these technologies can also meet social objectives like their implementation in integrated security systems, or to locate missing people in areas of difficult access.

ITESO researchers and students have developed two platforms of unmanned flight, sensorcraft type which is aircraft operated either by remote control or by an intelligent pilot. Currently, experts optimize the operating range for flight under radio control of those ships , which today has reached a kilometer.

Avalos Garcia stated that in the medium term to these more sophisticated aircraft stabilization systems would be implemented, in order that they fly autonomously, without dependence on radio. To achieve this goal, ITESO specialists have forged synergies with Hewlett Packard Company which will develop computer systems required by this type of aircraft.

Other developments made by that specialists of the Department of Technological Processes and Electronics at ITESO are ​​parallel hybrid engine design (which can be supplied by more than one source of energy) for implementation in rockets. Avalos Garcia stated that this technology could assist in a large number of science researches.

Additionally, experts at ITESO are developing technology to optimize flight for weather balloons, which could be used to study phenomena such as UV or cosmic radiation. The aerostatic and aeronautic platforms being developed in this university are subjected to rigorous studies to support extreme conditions, such as changes in temperature or pressure.

Finally, the specialist said that ITESO currently conducts research with the Mexican Space Agency to identify needs that could be addressed through the development of aerospace technologies themselves (Agencia ID).