SMI Cable Harness Delivers in World Record Breaking Project
Reliability and safety are two of the key reasons why our customers turn to us for cable harness solutions that deliver performance in the most hostile and challenging application spaces across marine, aerospace and energy. Our track record of over 20,000 installations with zero leaks demonstrates the ongoing durability of our technology and is one of the reasons EFT Mobility turned to us when developing a powertrain for the Griff G60 Tether, a Heavy Lift UAV which has now set a world record for the heaviest lift using a tether UAV.
The powertrain was developed by EFT Mobility in a collaboration with Griff Aviation, with input and support from a number of other partners including SMI. The G60 Tether possesses an incredible MTOW (maximum take-off weight) of 150kg, a payload capacity of 60kg and an altitude capability of 100m, and as the platform is attached to a cable that allows the required power to be supplied from the ground, unlimited flight time is theoretically possible. The need for robust, reliable and durable components is therefore essential for the platform which offers a unique advantage in scenarios where a bird’s-eye perspective is essential for comprehensive data collection and analysis, such as surveillance, search and rescue missions, communication relay and environmental monitoring. With safety and reliability also a top priority, the G60 Tether is equipped with back-up batteries. In the event of a power failure, these ensure a controlled and safe landing, minimising the risk of damage to the UAV and the surrounding environment.
SMI’s cable harness design SMI 4744 was the perfect solution for such an application, offering unrivalled durability and reliability. The SMI team worked closely with EFT Mobility during development to ensure the design met the performance objectives set including a fully sealed thermoplastic Polyurethane overmould for maximum flexibilty and durability, an intergrated strength termination to cope with the demands of the payload, and hybrid connections for optical data and power.
Commenting on the successful outcome of the project, SMI International Sales Manager Michel Renard said “Congratulations to EFT Mobility and the other partners on the project for achieving a record-breaking outcome. We were proud to be involved and, once again, see our solutions help push technological boundaries. We look forward to taking the success to even greater heights in the future!”
Image credit: EFT Mobility