The Australian Antarctic Division had recognised the potential for drone technology as an efficient way to navigate Antarctic sea ice.
They wanted toIdentify the potential limitations of the technology, And prepare a set of guidelines to enable the roll-out of drones on all resupply voyages.
AUAV was engaged by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) to travel on the V2 Supply to Casey Station in the summer of 2015. Our staff prepared and tested the technology in the harsh conditions of the southern ocean. With a well documented methodology the technical challenges of cold, wind, GPS cover, magnetic compass issues and ship communications interference were overcome.
The resultant documentation and manual from the trip, the first of its kind, was adopted by the AAD and New Zealand exhibition an resupply ships.