The study of the harsh volcanic environment combined with the perspective of the aerial drone has a new change! The Autel EVO Lite+ drone can handle the harsh high-altitude volcanic environment and support new research results!
Washington, USA, February 27, 2023 - An international academic scientific team used an Autel Robotics drone to record the activity of the Irazu volcano in Costa Rica. The Autel EVO Lite+ drone has been chosen by scientists for its high-quality sensors and durability, making it the ideal solution for professional research using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Can Autel EVO Lite+ handle volcanic winds?
According to the official experimental data of EVO Lite+, EVO Lite+ has a flight time of 40 minutes, an image transmission distance of 7.4 miles, a Max takeoff altitude of 4000m, a Max level flight speed (no wind, near sea level) of 18m/s, and an operating temperature of 0°C ~ 40°C, with triple frequency anti-jamming function.
Mount Irazu is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 3,432 meters above sea level. Volcano Irazu is a stratovolcano with an irregular semi-conical shape and a temperature between -3 and 17 °C.
On a drone research trip to a volcano, the EVO Lite+ is flown by Ian Godfrey, an FAA Part 107 certified remote pilot who is SINAC certified for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) operations in national parks . During the whole flight, EVO Lite+ completed the task perfectly.
“Personally, I really like the sensors and overall durability of the drone,” commented Ian Godfrey. “We operate in many complex environments and the drone performed flawlessly. These factors allow us to gather the necessary data without any difficulty. The drone performed well in high altitude volcanic environments, is resistant to wind and is ideal for use in Drones are an economical and ideal solution for professional research."
The science team used the Autel EVO Lite+ drone to document several aspects of the main caldera of Irazú Volcano, including lake water levels, areas of mineralization or crystallization, potential volcanic discharge vents – and found no underwater fumaroles. They also examined areas that could be exposed to future rockfall, as well as areas of increased risk of erosion or cracking within the volcano's main crater.
Scalability of EVO Lite+ drone
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ Drone Premium Bundle
$1399.00 USD
The perfect balance of power, durability and portability, the Autel EVO Lite+ video drone can stay aloft for 40 minutes and features a cinematic flight mode and camera settings to take full advantage of its professional-grade camera. In challenging natural environments with cloud reflection challenges, Ultra-Wide Obstacle Avoidance helps navigate around obstacles like trees and rocky outcrops with ease. Pilots can enjoy clear vision with Autel SkyLink and a transmission range of 7.4 miles. Autel's moonlight algorithm also provides excellent low-light performance.
Autel Robotics is proud to collaborate on this scientific research project and hopes it will demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of using affordable consumer-grade drones for professional research. The EVO Lite+ drones have proven capable of creating 2-D maps and 3-D models of volcanic geological features, and the team will continue to use these drones in the field.
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