Powering UAV Ground Control Station

The Challenge: Office Capabilities in the Field

Worthington Sharpe needed a portable power solution for their UAV Ground Control Stations (GCS), mobile units that house screens and equipment to bring the full capability of an operations room into the field. These stations enable teams to analyse data and make critical decisions on-site, without delay. To support this, the power system had to be lightweight, airline-compliant for international travel, and capable of delivering uninterrupted performance during active missions. Maintaining continuous operation, even when swapping batteries, was essential to ensure no break in situational awareness during deployments.

The Solution: Tracer BP2544 12V 8Ah Lithium Polymer Battery Pack

The Ground Control Stations use two Tracer BP2544 lithium polymer (LiPo) battery packs per unit. These batteries offer a high energy density in a lightweight, compact form, ideal for mobile operations where space and weight are critical. Each unit is housed in a rugged ABS case, providing confident handling and durability in challenging field conditions. At under 100Wh, the BP2544 is safe for transport in hand luggage on most airlines, making it perfectly suited for international deployment. The batteries are also hot-swappable, ensuring uninterrupted power and enabling teams to stay fully operational while in the field, without the need to shut down critical systems.

On a single BP2544 battery, a Ground Control Station can operate for approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on usage and conditions. This reliable runtime, combined with the ability to swap batteries without powering down, ensures continuous performance during extended missions.