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SkyHub Onboard Computer

  • Advanced Drone Payload Integration

The SkyHub Onboard Computer is a powerful UAV integration platform designed to transform enterprise drones into advanced data acquisition systems. Acting as the central hub between the aircraft and specialised payloads, SkyHub synchronises flight telemetry with sensor measurements to deliver highly accurate, georeferenced datasets for professional surveying, mapping, inspection, and environmental monitoring applications.

Built for demanding industrial operations, SkyHub simplifies the integration of multiple sensors onto a single UAV platform while providing reliable onboard data logging, real-time positioning, and seamless communication between payloads and flight controllers.

Whether conducting bathymetric surveys, ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigations, methane detection, magnetometry, or other specialised aerial inspections, SkyHub ensures every measurement is accurately time-stamped, geotagged, and securely stored for efficient post-processing and reporting.

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  • Key Features

  • Secure onboard data logging with offline storage

  • High-precision GPS geotagging for all sensor data

  • Supports industry-standard file formats including CSV, SEG-Y and NMEA

  • Compatible with DJI and Pixhawk-based UAV platforms

  • Eliminates the need for separate GPS receivers for many payloads

  • Reliable synchronisation between drone telemetry and sensor measurements

  • Designed for professional surveying, mapping and inspection applications

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  • SkyHub Support Packs

From January 2025, SPH Engineering launched the SkyHub Support scheme. This scheme means that users will need to purchase an annual SkyHub support pack from the second year onward. This effectively means that when a user buys a SkyHub integrated sensor system, the SkyHub Support for the first year is included. At the current time, access to the SkyHub software updates (Custom Payload Monitor and SkyHub firmware) remains free of charge for all users. As SkyHub 2 is no longer supported, this scheme only concerns SkyHub 3 units and future SkyHub models. If you have owned a SkyHub for more than one year, you will be required to purchase a support pack to continue to receive:

• Personalised Assistance: E-Mail, phone, or video conferencing support during business hours

• Minimised Downtime: Fast resolutions to technical challenges

• Continuous Expertise: Access to our knowledgeable team for your specific needs

  • UgCS True Terrain Following (UgCS TTF)

Using the UgCS SkyHub in combination with the Nano Radar NA24 or newer USD1 Radar, any compatible drone can fly at a set AGL (in TTF Mode), depending on the need of the onboard sensor. For example, for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), the drone can fly at 0.6m AGL, or for methane measurement missions, the drone may fly at 20m AGL. As well as TTF, the user may also activate Grasshopper Mode, which enables the drone to dip, return to position, and fly to the next waypoint to repeat the sequence. This feature is especially useful for conducting Hydrography surveys.Firmware License RequirementsTo enable True Terrain Following (TTF) through SkyHub, there is a requirement for user to purchase a TTF firmware license. This firmware license will be programmed into the SkyHub via an upload of a license file during the installation of the Custom Payload Monitor (CPM) interface. Look further down the page for more information on the CPM and it’s purpose.

  • UgCS Obstacle Detection Radar (UgCS ODR)

Using the UgCS SkyHub in combination with the UgCS ODR gives the pilot extra protection against unwanted accidents that can happen during routine sensor missions. The ODR works with the exisitng UgCS radar altimeter on the M300RTK or M350RTK to provide users with extra piece of mind when flying geophysical sensor missions. The ODR is a brilliant addition to UgCS SkyHub’s list of supported sensors and like the radar altimeter, has an easy, quick connection.

This system can be used with True Terrain-Following or TTF mode (when the radar altimeter is used to ensure a constant elevation over the ground), and in normal autopilot missions. The ODR is also extremely useful for magnetic surveys when digital elevation models (DEM) are used for mission planning, where the possibility to catch the edges of tree branches or parts of other pretruding features, remains a risk.The ODR is available as standard for both M300RTK and M350RTK drones. 

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Industry Applications

SkyHub is used across numerous industries including:

  • Surveying & Mapping

  • Mining & Quarrying

  • Environmental Monitoring

  • Gas Pipeline Inspection

  • Utility Asset Management

  • Marine & Bathymetric Surveying

  • Archaeology

  • Infrastructure Inspection

  • Research & Development

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For more Information

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