Bering Sea flights prove viability of university’s unmanned aircraft
For Immediate Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Researchers can chalk up another accomplishment for the University of Alaska’s Unmanned Aircraft Program. Based on the seal-observing performance of the program’s 40-pound ScanEagles, researchers have learned the aircraft can operate in snow and light icing conditions. This feat enhances the viability of the technology, which has proven useful flying through smoke and fog during previous scientific flights.
PDF DownloadPlanes without pilots Science for Alaska lecture to focus on unmanned aircraft in Alaska
For Immediate Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—The University of Alaska purchased its unmanned aircraft in 2006 and the 40-pound robotic plane can fly up to 20 hours at a time, collecting data even through the harshest conditions. These superlatives make the Insitu A-20 an ideal tool for scientists that need information from areas that are often difficult or dangerous to get to.
Recent test flights demonstrate unmanned aircraft’s multiple uses
For Immediate Release
In a series of three flights through restricted airspace in Puget Sound, WA, the University of Alaska’s unmanned aircraft system proved its value to science once again.
Geophysical Institute purchases unmanned aircraft system
For Immediate Release
It only weighs about 40 pounds, but the Insitu A-20, an unmanned aircraft system, will provide a hefty boost to a variety of research projects throughout Alaska. The new system purchased by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has a 10-foot wingspan and can fly more than 20 hours at a time. The aircraft is robotic and controlled by an operator through a computerized ground control system.
Unmanned aircraft will assist statewide emergency exercise
CONTACT: Amy Hartley, GI information officer, 907-474-5823, amy [dot] hartley [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Fairbanks, Alaska— Three 40-pound unmanned aircraft from Poker Flat Research Range will support Alaska Shield — a statewide exercise on April 26 through May 2, 2010 — that will test Alaska’s ability to respond to a major disaster. Although the aircrafts’ specific mission will remain unknown until the exercise begins, PFRR staff is prepared to launch and fly the aircraft in the Anchorage area.
UAF secures up to $47 million for unmanned aircraft studies
CONTACT: Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute information officer, 907-474-5823, amy [dot] hartley [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Fairbanks, Alaska—The United States Navy has awarded the University of Alaska Fairbanks up to $47 million to test and evaluate payloads aboard small, unmanned aircraft.
