Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Abstract

Facilitating Access, Transportation and Opportunities in Previously Inaccessible Areas: The Role of Unmanned Aerial Systems in a Changing Climate

Stephen M. Wackowski and Peter M. Leitner

Statement of the Problem: The changing environmental and geopolitical conditions in the Arctic present both challenges and opportunities.  With the decreasing ice cap allowing much greater access to natural resources and potential new shipping lanes, commercial and military organizations are focusing on how to gain a dominant position. However, there are significant obstacles to Arctic exploration including cold weather extremes, environmental impacts, shifting ice, difficult logistical resupply, and very limited communications, navigational and data support. 

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The researchers planned and executed ground breaking experiments in real-world Arctic unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operational deployments aboard the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Healy (WAGB-20) and the Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaker Louis S. St. Laurent (CGBN).  These experiments utilized two types of UAS, the Raven and the Puma, both manufactured by AeroVironment.

Published Date: 2020-12-21;