GNPP Aerogeofizika conducted experimental and methodological work to assess the feasibility of operating an airborne gravimetry system mounted on a UAV. The platform was a BAS-200 helicopter-type UAV supplied by its developer, the Russian Helicopters holding company.
The work used a modern, latest-generation strapdown airborne gravimetry system with several undeniable advantages over conventional instruments. These include a simple design, lower mass, smaller dimensions and lower power consumption, as well as the ability to measure under large disturbing accelerations of the aircraft. This enables these instruments to operate on robotic aircraft platforms with increased payload capacity, among other platforms. Optimal survey parameters were established during the work.
The experimental and methodological work demonstrated the fundamental feasibility of airborne gravimetry using new-generation airborne gravimeters on a UAV platform. Data processing and quality assessment indicate that the airborne gravity survey data acquired with a strapdown gravimeter meet the requirements currently applicable to airborne gravity surveys. Using uncrewed aircraft systems together with the new gravimetric system takes airborne gravity exploration to a new technological level.
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