UKSBSRE150432 - Polar Unmanned Air System

BAS is a component of NERC. Based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, it has, for over 60 years, undertaken the majority of Britain's scientific research on and around the Antarctic continent.

BAS provides a focus for national and international co-operation in polar science, and access for scientists to the Polar Regions. BAS delivers and co-ordinates major research programmes, including those requiring significant technology or infrastructure.

It exploits research outcomes, engages with the public, provides expert independent advice to the British Government and other stakeholders, and helps to discharge the UK’s responsibilities under the Antarctic Treaty System and to administer British Antarctic Territory. UAV and remotely piloted air systems are being used worldwide as platforms for monitoring of the environment and collection of scientific data.

Using UAS at BAS means previously unachievable science measurements can be done and logistics can be made more efficient due UAS operational characteristics. The flexibility and availability of an UAS enables repeat or more frequent measurements where a single mission would have had to suffice in the past or carried out at the non-perfect time. UAS create a scalable infrastructure to carry out airborne survey, this is in line with NERCs scalable infrastructure vision.