\n<\/p>\n
In September 2023, the Vanilla Ultra-Long Endurance UAS carried a metrological sensor suite to measure environmental conditions in the Arctic and to validate Vanilla\u2019s aircraft icing detection systems and mitigation strategy.<\/p>\n Operating from Deadhorse, Alaska, Vanilla flew over 500 miles toward the North Pole and back, for a round-trip of over 1,000 miles in 17 hours.\u00a0Afterward, Vanilla continued data collection, using multiple 200-mile laps, for another 22 hours. This was a single un-refueled flight of 39 total hours. A second flight of 26 hours increased Vanilla\u2019s flight time to 65 hours operating north of the 70th parallel.<\/p>\n During the flights, cloud and icing warnings were provided in real-time to our UAS operators. The Atmospheric Sensing and Prediction Sensor (ASAPS) from PEMDAS Technologies & Innovation, takes high-quality measurements of pressure, temperature, and humidity to provide icing potential to our UAS operators.\u00a0This system was invaluable for both the science objectives and for giving operators confidence in the actual conditions around the aircraft.<\/p>\n \u201cVanilla\u2019s performance is ideal for environmental monitoring missions, such as this demonstration of flying multiple sensors to the polar ice cap,\u201d says Dr. Dan Edwards, Chief Technology Officer of Platform Aerospace.<\/p>\n Takeoffs were performed under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a chase escort to warning area airspace. On both flights, conditions at the airfield unexpectedly deteriorated to Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). In one instance, Vanilla stayed on mission for an additional 22 hours awaiting better weather before filing an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan for the area navigation (RNAV) approach with the assistance of the FAA. This event illustrates the power of Vanilla\u2019s Ultra-Long Endurance to mitigate bad weather and demonstrated integration with the processes and procedures of the National Airspace System (NAS).<\/p>\n Vanilla is an Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) Program.<\/p>\n About Platform Aerospace\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Platform Aerospace is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) specializing in disruptive UAS technologies and rapid aircraft modification. We are a 30-year-old aviation engineering and manufacturing company and owner of the world-record-setting Group 3 UAS, Vanilla.<\/p>\n If you are interested in learning more, please contact\u00a0bd@platformaero.com<\/a> or visit our website at\u00a0https:\/\/platformaerospace.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Source: Platform Aerospace<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n HOLLYWOOD, Md., June 4, 2024 (Newswire.com)
\n –
\n <\/strong>Platform Aerospace has successfully completed an Arctic flight campaign for a DoD customer.\u00a0Vanilla flew two flights totaling more than 65 hours in the Arctic Circle, including operations north of the 78th parallel.<\/p>\n