Canada Tests Drone for Use in Coast Guard Operations

The agencies said the March 28 trial will help the Coast Guard determine how drones can assist during icebreaking operations and will help Transport Canada explore the use of similar technology.

  • Mar 31, 2016

The Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Canada's National Research Council, and the Royal Canadian Navy tested a drone near Fogo Island, off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, on March 28 to assess its potential to support Coast Guard operations at sea. The drone was launched from the flight deck of the CCGS George R. Pearkes, a light icebreaker, and it sent real-time data on ice conditions to the ship. The agencies said the trial will help the Coast Guard determine how drones can assist during icebreaking operations and will help Transport Canada explore the use of similar technology.

The trial was conducted in partnership with Schiebel, a company based in Austria that developed the drone that was tested. A Schiebel Camcopter S-100, it can operate day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a range of up to 120 miles, both on land and at sea. Alaska University and Memorial University of Newfoundland also participated in the trial.

"I am pleased that the Government of Canada is collaborating on this important initiative. This trial is an excellent opportunity to explore technologies like UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] to enhance Canadian Coast Guard services for Canadians," said Hunter Tootoo, minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Transport Minister Marc Garneau agreed, calling the trial "an important step toward using UAV technology to enhance our operations."

Product Showcase

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. Read More

  • SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit

    The SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit is a single-use spot test designed for use in screening for cannabis compounds in any sample type or on any surface. The test is capable of identifying the presumed presence of cannabinoids in very small quantities, with a level of detection as little as 6 μg in mass. Learn more about the SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit and the rest of SwabTek surface drug testing solutions through the webinar titled "Everything You Want To Know About Surface Testing" Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence