Laser-based automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) system for UAVs and other aircraft

Strategic missions involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require the use of reliable, state-of-the-art technology. OPATS (Object Position and Tracking System) is a GPS-independent automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) system that continuously measures the dynamic position of your UAV and provides dependable situational awareness for the aircraft’s automated landing systems and/or UAV remote pilots.

The main purpose of OPATS is to provide reliable, precise real-time position data of the aircraft during the approach, the landing phase, as well as during the take-off phase. The system enables autonomous landing and is resistant to any jamming or spoofing. OPATS can be utilized as a primary or secondary landing system, is mobile and easy to operate, and requires minimal maintenance. Thanks to continuous, GPS-independent monitoring of your aircraft’s position, safety during take-off and landing is always ensured.

Benefits of OPATS

Proven track record

OPATS has been delivered to end customers on all five continents and is being successfully deployed in the most challenging scenarios and environmental conditions. Today, OPATS is the ATOL system of choice for the most renowned UAV operators and manufacturers.

Cost-efficient

Cost-efficient design with an attractive system price, minimal maintenance requirements and modest training effort.

Resistant & independent

GPS-independent and resilient against any type of jamming.

OPATS landing procedure

UAV is guided by GPS, VOR or other means of navigation to vicinity of the airfield. OPATS tripod-mounted sensor searches for the UAV. After a laser echo from the airborne retro reflector is received, OPATS tracks the UAV. OPATS continuously sends precisely measured UAV positions to the GCS. OPATS position data is provided to the UAV’s autopilot software and/or the remote pilot. OPATS also provides a video stream, which is used to observe the approaching UAV. UAV reaches designated landing zone, flares out to landing, touches down and rolls out.

The UAV returns from the mission, reaches the final approach point and is guided to the landing zone in a controlled and safe way.

All-round success and reliability

OPATS is deployed by numerous international customers and is widely used for a variety of UAVs, ranging from tactical to MALE UAVs. Several thousand successful landings demonstrate the reliability of the system.

Download Factsheet OPATS PDF