25m Altitude/Distance/Range sensor

[Guest]

I have a RC model airplane capable of carrying max 800grams payload (after
all my onboard electronics, batteries, GPS, video camera). I want to try
auto takeoff and landing. Especially for the auto landing, it important to
be able to determine the slop of the final landing approach. For this
intended application, I need to accuratelly determine the height of the
airplane. (The static pressure sensor alone is not accurate for this).

So, the obvious question;
1. Do you know any range/distance/height/altitude sensor with the following
features;
* LIGHT WEIGHT
* Low power (and hopefully low cost)
* Measurement range 25m-25cm
* Measurement resolution (better than) 10cm
* Measurement rate 10 Hz

And also
2. Would you suggest any method that helps to line-up the airplane with the
landing field (runway). (Currently I'm planing to use the GPS data but it
seems to be not very accurate.)se

Cheers,

Falco

 

[Terry Collins]

I have a RC model airplane capable of carrying max 800grams payload (after
all my onboard electronics, batteries, GPS, video camera). I want to try
auto takeoff and landing. Especially for the auto landing, it important to
be able to determine the slop of the final landing approach.

Umm, can you use GPS based calculations, perhaps add an onboard computer
that takes two gps readings and determines your slope, etc.

Perhaps it could be a generalised pattern lander?

 

[GB]

Umm, can you use GPS based calculations, perhaps add an onboard computer
that takes two gps readings and determines your slope, etc.

GPS is significantly better at determining horizontal location
than it is at determining altitude.


GB

 

[Phil in Melbourne]

Can you transmit something from the runway? How about a laser pointer on the
runway that tracks your plane. The angle from ground and distance from plane
can be calculated to give you very exact altitude.

It might take you a year or two to get it right tho if you are the only one
working on the project.