UA, BP test unmanned aircraft.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Inside Alaska Business

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and BP Exploration Alaska demonstrated the oil-spill assessment abilities of an unmanned aircraft. The three-pound Scout demonstrated its new role in gathering 3-D aerial data to aid in oil-spill cleanup. BP funded the demonstration, which took place in midJuly. Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation also participated. Project officials say use of unmanned aerial vehicles can help with cleanup assessment with minimal impact on shorelines or critical habitats.

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