Scientists have developed a special unmanned aerial vehicle that operates with minimal human intervention.
An unmanned aerial vehicle recently flew on a test flight over Antarctica, and scientists believe it will revolutionize the way scientific data is collected on the ice-covered continent, IFLScience writes.
The Windracers ULTRA drone was developed under the management of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rother Research Station. It is a fully autonomous aircraft with a wingspan of 10 meters. The authors of the project state that up to 100 kg of cargo can be carried on the plane, and the drone can travel up to 1000 kilometers. Thanks to its high-tech autopilot system, it can take off, fly and land safely with minimum human intervention.
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The aircraft was specially designed by Windracers to operate in the incredibly harsh conditions of Antarctica. For example, according to the developers, if one of the plane’s engines fails, the plane will still be able to complete the flight and return to base. It is also designed to continue working even if some components are damaged or fail.
Initial testing of the aircraft began in early February 2024 and it finally completed its first test flights of 720 kilometers this week. Researchers say the tests have gone well so far and have proven that the device can reliably collect a wide range of scientific data.
According to Tom Jordan, the project’s chief scientist, initial tests show that the drone can collect high-quality environmental information that will be useful for a variety of scientific disciplines. The study’s authors also note that in the future, the new development will be included in a larger experimental project, the aim of which is to find out whether similar drones can be used to collect environmental data on the icy continent.
It is assumed that scientists will use the aircraft to evaluate the structure of the ice sheet using on-board radar, as well as to study tectonic structures hidden under Antarctica’s ice using magnetic and gravity sensors.
In addition, cameras on the ship will be used to document krill, the basis of the food chain, in environmentally sensitive areas. The aircraft is also equipped with an atmospheric turbulence probe that will study the complex processes occurring in Antarctica’s ocean and atmosphere.
Note that autonomous aircraft are widely used by scientists outside Antarctica. For example, in August 2022, the solar-powered Airbus Zephyr S broke the record for the longest unmanned flight by staying in the air for 64 days, 18 hours and 26 minutes.
Previously Focus He wrote that an ancient system of rivers and hills exists beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet: they may soon reappear.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.