Department of the Interior to Receive 40 UAS
The U.S. Department of the Interior will receive up to 40 small UAS from 3D Robotics thanks to a recently confirmed contract between the two.
The aircraft that will be provided to the DOI weigh just over three pounds and include a variety of features, including easy customization for different missions and the capability of carrying a variety of sensors. The department will mainly use them to collect aerial data, but could also press them into service emergency and rescue efforts.
Harry Humbert, deputy assistant secretary for Public Safety, Resource Protection, and Emergency Services, said, “the contract is extremely important to the department, as it will allow us to conduct many missions that were previously impossible due to limited resources and costs associated with using manned aircraft.”
Mark Bathrick, service director of the department’s Office of Aviation, added, “the department expects to use these aircraft for a diverse set of missions including wildlife and vegetation surveys, fire management, search and rescue, hydrologic study, cultural resource inventory, and surface mining monitoring, just to name a few. These UAS will not only provide us with better science and reduce the risk to our employees, but they will result in cost savings and better service for the department and the American people.”
