Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Equipment Demonstration for Improving Efficiency of Remote Spill Response

NOVEMBER 15, 2021 ─ Recently, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator for Alaska had the opportunity to accompany U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) members to an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) equipment demonstration. Attendees included personnel from USCG Sector Anchorage, Marine Safety Unit Valdez, University of Alaska-Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center, and Alaska Department of Transportation.

Group standing around a table, listening.
Image credit: University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

The demonstration was conducted by Skydio (USA made) to demonstrate the capabilities of their X2E and S2 uncrewed aerial systems. The demonstration included 2D, 3D and IR scanning capability, flight and maneuverability, scan distance, and other capabilities. Due to inclement weather, the demo was conducted in an airplane hangar on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The USCG (through the Arctic Domain Awareness Center) is sponsoring research on the use of UAS for gathering data and intelligence during oil spills in remote communities of Alaska. The intent is to make this remotely-gathered data available in a common operational environment such as NOAA's Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA®) in an incident command post, potentially hundreds of miles from the spill location.

For further information, contact Catherine.Berg@noaa.gov.

Three drones.
Image credit: University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:42pm PST