Types of unmanned aerial vehicles
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a device that is capable of performing tasks without direct human involvement on board. The device is controlled by autopilot or by a human remotely. UAVs are used in various industries: agriculture, medicine, industry, and others, allowing them to perform many tasks, including aerial photography, cargo delivery, search, rescue, and more.
Different types of UAVs are often referred to as drones.
· Multi-rotor drones are devices that have from two to several rotors and have good maneuverability in the air.
Helicopter drones are unmanned helicopters that have one or more rotors and are capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
· Unmanned aircraft are vehicles that have a similar structure to manned aircraft.
UAVs are distinguished by a variety of shapes and sizes. There are several main categories into which drones can be divided.:
Microdrons: Small and lightweight devices that can fit in the palm of your hand. They are usually used for commercial purposes such as aerial video and photography, and have a limited flight time.;
· Minidrones: They are bigger and can carry heavier loads. They are usually used for reconnaissance or transportation purposes.;
· Medium drones: they are used in many industries, have a long flight time and are capable of carrying larger loads;
· Large drones: They are commonly used in military and industrial applications such as cargo transportation and rescue operations. They have a long flight time and can carry heavy loads.
The choice of a drone depends on the user’s goals, objectives, and requirements. Therefore, before choosing, it is necessary to take into account its various parameters: size and weight, duration and speed of flight, availability of autopilot and others.
UAVs also vary depending on their design and application.:
· Multi-rotor UAVs are equipped with multiple propellers that allow them to move in the air. They are usually used for short-term and low-flying tasks such as video and photography, cargo delivery, and others.;
Fixed-wing drones are UAVs that have a rigid structure with conventional wings. They can be used for long-term missions, including search, reconnaissance, and security.;
Hybrid UAVs combine the advantages of fixed-wing multirotor drones. They usually have a vertical takeoff / landing, and fly horizontally.
Depending on the purpose, UAVs are classified as follows:
· Reconnaissance: they are usually equipped with various sensors and cameras that allow them to collect information and observe objects on the underlying surface;
· Cargo: for the delivery of food, medicines or other goods to remote or hard-to-reach places;
· Passenger: for transporting people over long distances without the participation of a pilot;
· Educational: designed to train operators of unmanned systems;
· Entertainment: These are small drones that are used for entertainment and competition.
There are other classification methods that include various characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The use of drones for polar research
UAVs play a huge role in conducting marine and polar research, providing scientists with unique data collection capabilities. Drones perform a variety of tasks, helping to expand knowledge about natural phenomena and changes in the environment. They are equipped with sensors that allow them to study animal behavior, as well as collect samples of plankton and other samples.
One of the main advantages of drones is their ability to collect data in remote and extreme conditions. They monitor the condition of glaciers, monitor icebergs, and study the distribution of sea ice. These data not only help to better understand the processes taking place in the polar regions, but also to assess their future changes and impact on the global climate.
Drones are highly maneuverable and operate at different altitudes and in strong winds, making them unique tools for exploring the polar atmosphere. They play an important role in solving problems related to global warming and climate change.
The main tasks solved by UAVs during research expeditions are:
· ice exploration, survey of glaciers and icebergs;
· aerial photography and monitoring of the underlying surface;
· study of the animal world and its habitat;
· Study of climate change;
· various assistance in polar expeditions.
The use of UAVs has become an integral part of scientific expeditions and polar research. One of the main tasks of drones is to survey and monitor territories. Thanks to special cameras and sensors, researchers collect data on natural objects and processes. For example, UAVs are equipped with special cameras that allow you to create maps and three-dimensional models of glaciers and icebergs.
Radars and thermal imagers allow researchers to study not only the surface of glaciers and icebergs, but also their internal structure, speed and temperature. Drones are also used to monitor nature and analyze the atmosphere. Studying climate change gives scientists the opportunity to obtain new data on global warming and better understand the processes taking place in the environment.
Drones have become indispensable tools for studying wildlife in the polar regions. Drones allow you to observe wild animals in their natural habitat, study their behavior, and assess the number and condition of populations. UAVs allow you to receive data quickly, without creating noise and emissions, without disturbing the habitat of animals.
Drones have provided new opportunities for cargo delivery and communications in remote and hard-to-reach locations, as well as for search and rescue operations. They have made it possible to reduce the risks for people working in remote and dangerous areas, as well as significantly increase the speed and efficiency of data collection. Using them makes expeditions safer and more economically profitable.
By Nikolai Kuznetsov, n-kuz@yandex.ru
