Defence Technology Academic Journal

Open Innovation in the Research and Development Projects of the Defence Technology Institute

Bodin Suntud — 2025-12-27

This analysis aims to 1) propose the adoption of the “Open Innovation” concept in the research and development projects of the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and expand capabilities in defense technology development. By integrating knowledge and competencies from both internal and external sources—such as universities, research institutes, and private sectors—the concept seeks to upgrade existing products to achieve higher levels of competitiveness and innovation. Open Innovation mitigates siloed operations and fosters project integration, resulting in a diverse range of products that can swiftly and flexibly meet the demands of domestic and international markets. The study also demonstrates a matrix matching study to facilitate the integration of existing technologies. 2) analyze the application of technology in current conflict systems, which increasingly involve economic considerations and the continuity of supply chains. Additionally, this study identifies critical success factors, such as effective intellectual property (IP) management, the integration of technologies, and partnership building. The findings reveal that employing Open Innovation can significantly enhance DTI’s capability to develop cost-effective, high-performing defence equipment in line with the “Low Technology Supremacy” concept. This approach addresses contemporary warfare and conflict dynamics more effectively than conventional research and development methods, which often require starting from scratch and incur significant time and financial cost.

An Analysis of Factors Affecting the Variation of Performance Ratio in a Medium-Scale Solar Photovoltaic System Over a Six-Month Period

Santipap Suksavut — 2025-09-05

This research aims to analyze the performance ratio (PR) of a utility-scale solar photovoltaic system based on six months of operational data collected from October 2024 to March 2025. The study utilized actual field data from a 358.80 kWp PV system at the power distribution center in Udon Thani, Thailand. The daily weather-corrected performance ratio (PRact) was calculated using the energy injected into the grid (Egrid) and global solar irradiation (Hi). The results were then analyzed for monthly trends. The findings revealed that the average PRact ranged from approximately 72.4% to 81.2% across the observed months, with the lowest value in February. A significant improvement in PRact was observed after a panel cleaning event on February 24, 2025, indicating that soiling had a substantial impact on system efficiency. When compared with the PVsyst simulation, which estimated an average PR of 81.11%, the actual values were closely aligned during certain periods, particularly in the early stages of the observation. These results suggest that ongoing PR monitoring, combined with appropriate maintenance strategies, can enhance system reliability and support long-term performance evaluation of utility-scale solar PV systems.

The Assessment of above Ground Biomass and Carbon Sequestration in Community Forests using UAV Technology

Piyatida Awichin — 2025-06-26

The objective of this research is to evaluate the biomass and carbon sequestration of trees in a community forest area located in Tha Song Khon Subdistrict, Mueang Maha Sarakham District, Maha Sarakham Province, using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology combined with field surveys. The operation was divided into three main parts: UAV surveys, field data collection, and the creation of a Canopy Model. The study area covered 66 rai or 10.66 hectares. Agisoft PhotoScan was used for processing aerial photographs. From field surveys in sample plots of 40x40 meters², totaling 10 plots, the results showed a total of 22 families and 39 species of trees, amounting to 1,241 trees. The most common species found included 457 trees of Dipterocarpus alatus, 224 trees of Shorea obtusa, and 56 trees of Lagerstroemia tomentosa. The evaluation of carbon sequestration using machine learning models from UAVs showed an average of approximately 213.53 tCO₂e, 2.022026 kgCO₂e/m2, and 0.002022 tCO₂e/ha. In contrast, the averaged results from the Canopy Model analysis were 212.51 tCO₂e, 2.012442 kgCO₂e/m², and 0.000201 tCO₂e/ha. The accuracy assessment of the model was found at a Precision of 0.902, Recall of 0.638, Accuracy of 0.597, F1-Score of 0.747, and Percent of 74.737%, indicating that the model has the capability to analyze trees and to accurately classify canopy shapes.

Performance Evaluation of Image Enhancement Techniques for Traffic Cone Detection Under Twilight Conditions Using YOLOv8

วิระ ศรีมาลา — 2025-12-27

This paper presents the performance evaluation of various image enhancement techniques applied to traffic cone detection using YOLOv8 architecture. A real-world simulation was conducted by placing traffic cones along both sides of a roadway to serve as visual warning signals in twilight conditions. Data collection was performed through real video recording using a smartphone camera mounted on the car’s dashboard. The camera features a CMOS sensor and a wide-angle lens, capturing images at a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels during twilight hours (18.30–19.00). Ambient illumination levels typically range between 1 and 10 lux, resulting in significantly reduced visibility and image clarity. A total of 900 video frames were extracted and organized into one base dataset (SRC) and then duplicated into five additional sets. They were processed using five enhancement techniques: 1) Linear Adjustment (LIN), 2) Histogram Equalization (HE), 3) Logarithmic Enhancement (LOG), 4) Linear Adjustment with Saturation Handling (LIN-SAT), and 5) Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE). Traffic cone detection was performed using a YOLOv8 model specifically trained for this task. Evaluation metrics included Average Cone Count per frame, Precision, Recall, F1 Score, Accuracy, and Average Confidence. Experimental results showed that CLAHE yielded the best overall performance, detecting an average of 4.7 cones per frame with 98.74% Precision, 77.78% Recall, an F1 Score of 87.01%, 77.01% Accuracy, and 62.22% Average Confidence. The results confirm that CLAHE significantly improves the robustness and accuracy of YOLOv8-based traffic cone detection under low-light conditions.

Application of a Robotic Arm on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Fire Disaster Victim Assistance

Prasongsuk Songsree — 2025-12-27

This research aims to design and develop a robotic arm integrated with a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for assisting victims in fire disaster scenarios, particularly in areas that are difficult to access. The proposed system includes a lightweight yet robust mechanical gripper and a precise control system, enabling the UAV to grasp and release objects effectively while in flight. Field experiments revealed that the developed robotic arm can lift objects weighing up to 10 kilograms. In the tests, object weights between 1.3 - 3 kilograms were selected to ensure flight safety and stability. The arm effectively grasped objects of different types, including (1) a fire-extinguishing ball (1.3 kg), (2) a first-aid kit (3 kg), and (3) a life jacket (2 kg). The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was able to take off and land vertically at an altitude of 10 meters under controlled wind conditions of 0–3 m/s (blowing from west to east), maintaining stable flight while handling all three types of objects without significantly affecting flight stability (FSI ≥ 0.9). The entire operation was completed within 5 minutes, and the robotic arm achieved an average grasping success rate of 97%, demonstrating the system’s potential for effective application in real-world rescue operations. The results indicate that integrating a robotic arm with UAVs significantly enhances their operational capabilities in emergency response missions. This approach improves accessibility, operational efficiency, and precision in delivering life-saving equipment to victims in hazardous environments such as fire-affected areas.

Preparation of Electrodeposited Cobalt Phosphide on Nickel Foam for Sodium Borohydride Hydrolysis

Suwicha Chankapoe — 2025-12-27

This research studies the preparation of a cobalt phosphide catalyst on a nickel foam support via a one-step electrodeposition process. This method aims to reduce costs and enhance the catalytic efficiency for hydrogen production. The properties of the catalyst were studied with varying electrodeposition times of 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes, as this factor affects its catalytic performance. The experimental results showed that small cobalt and phosphorus nanoparticles were dispersed and deposited on the porous surface of the support. The resulting amorphous cobalt phosphide catalyst exhibited an increased specific surface area with longer electrodeposition times. The catalyst prepared by electrodeposition for 15 minutes with a mass of 4.2 grams was used to catalyze the hydrolysis of a 20 wt% sodium borohydride solution with a flow rate of 10 mL/min. This catalyst achieved a hydrogen production rate of 2.25 L/min at a pressure of 0.5 bar, which was higher than that of a catalyst prepared by electroless deposition. The findings suggest that the electrodeposited catalyst is suitable for use in hydrogen production for fuel cell applications.

Two-Way Communication System between Surface Controller and Diver via Signal Buoy for Enhanced Underwater Safety

Porntep Bunraksa — 2025-12-27

This paper presents the concept, design, preliminary and experimental results of a prototype two-way communication system between a surface operator and a diver through a floating relay buoy. The system aims to provide real-time text and video transmission to enhance safety during underwater operations. The prototype consists of three main components: (1) Surface Control Unit, (2) Floating Relay Buoy, and (3) Diver Unit. Communication is established through standard IEEE 802.11 2.4 GHz/5 GHz wireless links combined with a waterproof Ethernet tether, utilizing the ZMQ (ZeroMQ) protocol in a publish – subscribe architecture for efficient data exchange. A field-like test was conducted using a TP-Link EAP225 device configured as a Wireless Access Point / Bridge to connect the surface control system with the diver unit through the Ethernet tether. The diver unit employed a Raspberry Pi 4 and a USB camera for processing and transmitting live video. The results show that the system successfully transmitted text messages from the surface to the diver and streamed live video from the diver to the surface in real time, with an average latency below 300 ms and no packet loss over a continuous 10-minute test period. Limitations include wireless range constraints, tether-induced mobility restrictions, and the absence of testing in deep or high-current underwater environments, as well as the lack of encryption and QoS management for multi-user applications. Experimental outcomes confirm that the proposed prototype operates effectively in field conditions and demonstrates the feasibility of a Hybrid LAN/WLAN underwater communication system for future diving operations.

The Analysis of Electrical Power Used for the Upgraded Rocket and Missile Launcher

Chanon Lekthamrong — 2025-12-27

The modernization of obsolete or non-operational military equipment serves as an efficient means to enhance the combat capabilities of the military. Specifically, upgrading the performance of long-serving multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to support modern technologies is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new systems. This study developed a model and assessed the electrical energy consumption of the firing control system in an upgraded MLRS, which is capable of automatic azimuth and elevation angle adjustment. The system's energy usage and accuracy were analyzed using a closed-loop control system powered by a PLC and servo motors, with position sensors for both azimuth and elevation. Data collected from simulated combat scenarios were used to calculate theoretical results and assess energy consumption during rocket firing operations. The results showed that the maximum power consumption of the motors for azimuth and elevation rotation is 400 watts, with an energy consumption of 12.3 watt-hours per aiming cycle. Given 15 to 20 aiming cycles per mission, the total energy demand would be approximately 250–300 watt-hours. The system can accurately control the positioning, which is sufficient for long-range salvo firing and can operate continuously throughout the mission.

Simulation of the tillage process using LIGGGHTS based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM)

Attapon Charoenpon — 2025-12-27

In the design of mine-clearing equipment, consideration of soil resistance and the prediction of soil mechanical behavior are crucial to the overall efficiency of the demining process. Theoretical calculation of soil resistance using Reece's equation, combined with the study of soil mechanics through the Discrete Element Method (DEM), provides valuable insights.

The results from Reece's theoretical model and the DEM simulations—focusing on the actual interaction forces between soil particles and the cutting blade at the microscale—indicate that the resistance force obtained from DEM varies with cutting depth. This variation is characterized by fluctuations resulting from intermittent contact and pushing behavior between soil particles. Consequently, the DEM-derived forces are significantly higher than those predicted by the theoretical model. Nonetheless, the DEM simulation successfully captures the soil-cutting behavior and illustrates the detailed soil flow through the blade, offering essential data for optimizing blade design to achieve greater efficiency.