Drone experts from RNAS Culdrose’s 700X Naval Air Squadron have given the Royal Navy’s Antarctic research ship 'eyes in the sky' to help HMS Protector punch through the polar ice.
Eleven of the icebreaker’s crew are now qualified in operating drones from the deck of the ship, which has just completed her stint around the frozen continent for this season.
It’s Protector’s task to update seafaring charts of Antarctic waters, deliver supplies and personnel to remote research stations, monitor wildlife and the environment and uphold the UK’s long-standing responsibilities to this unique part of the world.
That mission, even at the height of the austral summer, often takes her through ice.
Although the ship has an extensive flight deck, she doesn’t have a hangar and so deploys to polar regions without any air support – until the advent of drones.
700X’s Petty Officer John Simpole and Marine Tom Salt spent six weeks on board Protector training crew in the use of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS).
To qualify as drone pilots, the students undertook several theory lessons, such as regulations, meteorology and the use of aviation charts.
They also conducted several live flying sorties, which culminated in a final assessment.
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PO Simpole said: "In spite of the sometimes-challenging environmental conditions and having to work around the ship’s programme, we achieved everything we set out to do, as well as being able to train up extra personnel. I’m pleased to say all eleven students passed.
"A drone provides Protector with an additional tool to safely assess ice conditions around the vessel," explained Lieutenant Retallick, the ship’s First Lieutenant.
"They can be used to identify areas of ice concentration and ‘leads’ – gaps – in the ice which help the ship to navigate through complex ice-infested waters."
The trained personnel can now be converted to the ship’s RPAS, the Evolve Dynamic Sky Mantis, which has been flown from Protector to make assessments of nearby historic monuments, and shoreline conditions for boat access, and even conduct wildlife surveys.
By using its 30x optical zoom camera, it can do so at a safe distance to ensure wildlife remains undisturbed.
Being able to cope with heavy rain and winds of up to 40kts/45mph and conducting flights lasting 60 minutes makes it a great asset.
700X is the Royal Navy’s dedicated drone squadron, which conducts training as well as working with the latest technologies.
Personnel regularly train at Culdrose’s centre of expertise at Predannack Airfield on the Lizard peninsula.
The squadron also hosts deployable flights who use the Puma AE II which has been used regularly around the globe over the past few years for reconnaissance and surveillance.
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