X55 Integration with SPH Engineering Payloads

About SPH Engineering

SPH Engineering is a Latvia-based company specializing in end-to-end drone solutions for highly specialized applications. Its ecosystem combines software, hardware, and workflow automation to support a wide range of missions, including gas detection, magnetometer surveys, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), radiation monitoring, and other advanced geophysical applications.

We recently had the opportunity to work with SPH Engineering to integrate their solutions with the Arcsky X55 heavy-lift drone, and will share some of the insights gained.

Simple and Flexible Integration

To use the payloads from SPH Engineering, we first integrated the SkyHub, which is a drone onboard computer that acts as the central hub between the flight controller and payloads. The SkyHub integration with the Arcsky X55 is very straightforward - just a mounting bracket and two cables (power and data).

The SkyHub module can be powered directly from the X55's accessory power output, while communication is established through the X55 AUX port. No additional modification is needed on the X55 side.

To enable low-altitude terrain-following operations, we also mounted the SPH Engineering radar altimeter to the front of the X55. This provides accurate terrain-following capabilities, even over water, helping the aircraft maintain a consistent height above the ground throughout the survey.

After the hardware was installed, all that was required was to change a few parameters on the X55, in order to support the communication protocol and baud rate of the SkyHub and altimeter.

Payload Installation

For this particular demonstration, we used the magNimbus magnetometer payload. With a weight of less than 2 lbs, and a retractable sensor structure, this payload is a top choice for high endurance flights and ease of piloting.

The payload mounting process is quick and intuitive. After installing the SPH Engineering mounting bracket onto the X55's standard 12 mm payload rails, the magNimbus payload simply slides into the dovetail receiver and is secured using thumb screws. The tool-free mounting system makes payload installation fast and efficient in the field.

Magnetometer Survey Demonstration

To validate the system, we conducted a simple magnetometer survey over a test field containing several buried metal objects.

The mission was planned using a standard lawnmower survey pattern, with the Arcsky X55 flying with the following mission profile:

• Flight altitude: 2 meters above ground level

• Flight speed: 2 m/s

• Survey pattern: Automated lawnmower grid

  
  

Maintaining a low and consistent flight altitude is essential for collecting high-quality magnetic data, making the terrain-following capability particularly valuable for this type of mission. The self-folding sensor mount enables easy takeoff and landing without imposing additional qualification requirements on the drone operator.

Furthermore, if the sensor comes into contact with the ground, obstacles, or vegetation, the mount folds away, reducing the risk of the drone becoming stuck or crashing.

Processing the Results

After completing the flight, the collected data was processed using SPH's GeoHammer software. The processed magnetic map highlighted several magnetic anomalies beneath the surface. These hotspots closely matched the known locations of the buried metal objects, demonstrating the accuracy of the SPH Engineering solution.

Magnetometer surveying is a rapidly growing industry with a wide range of applications. Some of the most common use cases include:

• Locating abandoned wellheads

• Detecting buried pipelines

• Finding unexploded ordnances (UXOs)

• Archaeological investigations

• Environmental and geophysical surveys

• Landmine detection and remediation

Why the Arcsky X55?

The Arcsky X55 is designed to be one of the most versatile heavy-lift drone platforms available for industrial sensing applications. Its open integration architecture provides dedicated accessory power outputs and AUX communication ports, making it easy to integrate a wide variety of SPH Engineering sensors through the SkyHub payload ecosystem. Whether the mission involves gas detection, magnetometer mapping, radiation monitoring, or other specialized inspections, the X55 provides the flexibility needed without requiring complex custom modifications.

The X55 also offers a payload capacity of up to 17 lbs (8 kg), allowing it to carry every sensor currently offered by SPH Engineering while leaving ample payload margin for future upgrades. As mission requirements evolve and sensors become larger or more sophisticated, operators can continue using the same drone platform without sacrificing performance or investing in a larger aircraft.

Combined with long endurance, modular payload integrations, and a robust industrial design, the Arcsky X55 provides a future-ready platform for organizations performing advanced geophysical surveys and industrial inspection missions.