Helimetrex UAV ready for takeoff

Aviation in the palm of your hands

A Queensland company is set to take an international lead in an emerging sector of the aviation industry with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) being used for aerial photography.

From humble beginnings in 2000, HELImetrex was established at Stafford Heights in Brisbane by Ray Gillinder, a Radio Controlled (R/C) Helicopter Pilot and Brad Mason also a R/C helicopter pilot and a qualified engineer.

"We researched and developed a UAV system specifically for commercial markets, made it adaptable to a range of different camera types, proved the system in flight trials and earned the first approval in Australia to operate," says Ray.

HELImetrex is the first company to be approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for a commercial UAV operation in Australia.

"Our company aims to provide a comprehensive aerial imaging service to the civilian and commercial sectors of the industry," says Ray.

"Because of the small size and manoeuvrability of the UAV our photographers can capture pictures that are otherwise impossible."

UAVs can range from miniature aircraft weighing as little as 100g to aircraft the size of a Boeing 737, and are all unmanned. HELImetrex's UAV is a small helicopter 2 metres long, which can carry camera equipment to altitudes of 400 feet (122 metres).

"HELImetrex is a cost-effective, low altitude aerial photography system, capable of flying or hovering almost anywhere," says Ray. "Utilising a radio-controlled helicopter, we can gain access to areas not available to full size aircraft at a fraction of the cost."

The HELImetrex can use a vast array of photographic equipment from 35mm camera, digital camcorders and survey quality cameras and has a telemetry down-link for real time viewing of the subject matter.

"Uses for HELImetrex are very broad and include aerial photography, bush fire fighting, coastal surveillance, search and rescue, crop spraying, weather forecasting, mapping and minerals exploration," says Ray.

"We are completely self funded and have managed to create a first for Queensland and Australia. When we received authority from CASA to operate we believe this opened up a whole new industry and potential for the economy of Queensland."

Comment: This is a story about 'anything being possible' - two men with a smart idea who have created a first in aviation for Queensland.

This story is one of 24 chosen by a community panel as part of Queensland's Favourites.

Panel's comments...

"Provides opportunity to conduct safe and cost effective aerial monitoring of otherwise dangerous situations for pilots. As a self-funded project this shows strength of commitment by those who developed Helimetrix."

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