Hawkeye FAQs

Q: Is the Hawkeye a kit?

A: No, the Hawkeye is a fully assembled system. It comes pre-assembled and flight-tested 

to ensure that the aircraft and supporting systems are fully functional when you receive it.


Q: Does the ground control station track the craft as it flies.

A: Yes.  The pre-programmed flight path is shown on the ground control station's display

along with the actual path of the craft.  Departures from the pre-planned flight path are readily visible


Q: Can it be flown by someone without prior experience in radio control?

A: Yes, the system arrives with full documentation on programming the ground control software

and operating the camera.  The autopilot is backed by RC controls which are easier to master than

most  fixed wing or VTOL craft.   


Q: Does the Hawkeye require training to operate?

A: Training is not required, but we do recommend that you consult with someone who has prior experience

with flying unmanned aerial vehicles for the first few flights.


Q: What type of endurance is expected if flying the ADC Lite camera on board?

A: We are currently flying the ADC Lite for about 15 to 25 minutes depending on wind and weather conditions.


Q: What is the maximum wind speed the Hawkeye can fly in without problems?

A: The current parafoil wing has an airspeed of about 18 MPH.  We fly in winds that range from 0 to 12 MPH

with good results.


Q: What type of ground resolution is obtainable with the ADC Lite system aboard the Hawkeye?

A: The Hawkeye flies at much slower speeds than conventional RC airplanes. Therefore you can fly

lower to the ground with less motion blur and higher ground resolution. The only trade-off is that the

lower you fly the less area you will cover which will require you to stitch more pictures together to cover

your entire field(s).  PixelWrench2, the software that comes with all Tetracam cameras includes a Ground

Resolution and Field of View Calculator.


Q: What is its maximum flying altitude?

A: We have successfully test flown the Hawkeye up to 1500ft (450m) AGL with plenty of headroom to go.

However, every country will have certain altitude limitations with regards to their local and federal authorities.

In the US, the Hawkeye is currently restricted to an allowable altitude below 400ft AGL (120m) by the FAA. You

will have to check to find out what your maximum allowable altitude will be with your local authorities.


Q: Is the Hawkeye system more reliable and easy to operate than any other radio-controlled aircraft?

A: Yes definitely, since the Hawkeye flies much slower, it is much easier to control than other conventional

RC aircraft. Also, the Hawkeye has only two basic inputs. Throttle, which controls altitude and

steering input which gently steers the aircraft.


Q How safe is my equipment being flown in the Hawkeye?
A: All sensitive equipment and electronics are mounted inside the Hawkeye main Airframe.

The Airframe is very resilient and our cameras are mounted in a vibration absorbing mount inside

the aircraft.  If the craft should lose communication, it automatically flies to a pre-designated home

position.  And remember, the Hawkeye's parafoil is always deployed.  If a malfunction occurs,

the craft simply floats  to the ground.


Q: How much free space does the Hawkeye require for taking off and landing?
A: On average 10 to 20 meters is sufficient for take off and landing.