About Us
Skycam NZ have been involved in the development and operations of UAVs since the early 1990s. In partnership with the Defence Technology Agency (DTA) Skycam UAV NZ has worked as a system integrator for the New Zealand Defence Force in developing the use of reconnaissance UAVs.
In addition Skycam was awarded the commercial rights to manufacture and market the outstanding Autopilot system developed by DTA.
Dr Tim Brooks PhD
Director
Systems Integrator & IT Specialist
UAS operator and instructor since 2007
PhD from Massey University in Communication Electronics
Bachelor of Engineering (1st Class) Massey University
Information and Telecommunications Engineering.
UAS Subject matter authority (system integration & operationsince 2007)
NZMAA certified model pilot (10 years)
UAS manufacturer and Integrator since 2007.
Mr Lew Woods
Former Director, Company Mentor
Model Aviation/Aerial Photography/UAV (25 years)
Commercial Pilot rating 10,600hrs (Ag)
CAA Instructor ratings D cat & E cat, Night VFR & Chemical rating
NZMAA certified model pilot (40 years) ratings BP, LP, AB, PN, HP, TJ
NZMAA certified Model Flight Instructor
NZMAA certified Large Model building Inspector License No 2665
International Model Aircraft Competitor (rotary & fixed wing)
Expertise in Composite structure manufacture, design
UAS manufacturer and Integrator since 2007.
Mr Rene Redmond
Former Director, Company Mentor
Model Aviation/Aerial Photography/UAV (25 years)
RNZAF trained Aircraft Technician 1975-1982 (engines/airframes 7 years)
Trade experience ERS J52/RR Viper 535/Nimbus engines & components, Ohakea AMS aircraft maintenance/ zonals (Cpl) and RR Viper 535 instructor, Avro 626 restoration team
NZMAA certified model pilot (45 years) ratings BP, LP, AB, PN, TJ
NZMAA certified Flight Instructor
NZMAA certified Large Model building Inspector License No 2215
UAS manufacturer and Integrator since 2007.
Dr John Brooks
UAS Operations Specialist
Qualified Glider Pilot for over 30 years
Lead the AUT Antarctic UAV expedition
Mr David Pope
Structures & Production Technician.
Licensed Builder & Cabinet maker
Aircraft Sheet metal & Composite tradesman Hawker DeHavilland Australia (9 yrs)
Hawker certified project Line, Tooling & Electrical resistance Inspector.
Hawker certified TQST sign off for McDonnell Douglas products
Hawker certified bilateral Boeing signatory for Boeing products
RCAS certified Model Aircraft pilot (30 years)
Mr Tarquin Brooks
Design Analyst
Bachelor of Technology (Manufacturing and Industrial Technology) Massey University 2001
4 years product design F&P Healthcare (injection moulded items)
8 years machine design and verification Snorkel Elevating Platforms.
NZMAA certified model pilot (25 years) ratings BP, AB, PN, HP, TJ
NZMAA certified Flight Instructor.
UAS CAD design in Solidworks.
Notable achievements by skycam Uav nz:
- Developed the Swampfox UAS series
- Assembled KAHU Hawks
- Motorised Ground Control Station into Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle
- Customized several Ground Control Station solutions including: Pinzgauer, Light-Operational-Vehicle-mounted version for NZDF; Twin-case, full-featured version for NZDF; Single-case, photo-mission systems; Backpack-mounted, portable version.
- Repaired and maintained the Kahu Hawk series since Nov 2006
- Manufactured new components for the Kahu Hawk series
- Developed significant upgrades to many platforms including: bungee launchers; trigger take-off; parachute landing; increased sensor capability; digital video integration
- Developed Remote Viewing technology
- Designed, manufactured and flown a large number of concept UAVs including the Silver Eye and the 2E-B, including development of launch and recovery equipment
Skycam crew from left Lew Woods, Rene Redmond, Tim Brooks, Tarquin Brooks.
Part of Skycam's Simulation and UAS workshop setup area.
Lew flying remote controlled target aircraft for gunnery practise circa 2003.
Seeker Gas Turbine powered target drone built and operated by Skycam circa 2005. Powered by 13kg thrust gas turbine with top speed around 350km/hr!
Jet target trials with remote controlled RC "Boomerang" jet circa 2004.
Mistral launcher locking on to heat signature from the Boomerang's jet efflux, practise only no live firing conducted!