Development of small drones "Ant-Plane" for Antarctic research -its possibility and dificulty-

Abstract

Four kinds of small drones (autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles UAV, so called Ant-Plane) are developed under the Ant-Plane project for scientific research and logistics in the coast region of Antarctica in austral summer. The Ant-Plane 2 cruised within 30 m of the planned course during calm weather at Sakurajima Volcano on Kyushu. During strong wind, 22 m/s, at Chokai Volcano, northern Honshu, the drone remained on course during straight flight but deviated when turning leeward. An onboard magneto-resistant magnetometer (400 g) recorded the variation of magnetic field with accuracy of 10 nT in calm wind, but strong magnetic noise was observed in strong wind, especially a head wind. The Ant-Plane 4 achieved a continuous flight of 500 km and the highest flight altitude of 5700 m. The Ant-Plane UAV can be used for various kinds of Antarctic, requires further development of techniques for easy takeoff and landing and easy start of engines.