Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to perform photo reconnaissance over Prairie Ridge
RELEASE UPDATE -- May 4, 2005
Science, Environment Reporters/Editors
Contact: Jon
Pishney, (919) 733-7450, ext. 304.
DUE TO UNFAVORABLE WEATHER, FLYOVER RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MAY 12, 8 A.M.
RALEIGH -- Innovation Robotics' newest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will fly over the Prairie Ridge Ecostation for Wildlife and Learning, Thursday, May 12 at 8:00 a.m. to take aerial photos. The reconnaissance mission will demonstrate the aircraft's abilities to provide live video surveillance that could be useful to environmentalists, zoologists, survey teams and law enforcement officials.
Prairie Ridge is the new field station of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. The site contains restored wetlands and prairie habitats, an outdoor classroom as well as several trails. Prairie Ridge director Mary Ann Brittain said the flyover would help her plan locations for paths and program areas across the 38-acre site. Prairie Ridge currently hosts numerous Museum programs for educators, students and researchers, and plans to open to the public this summer.
The "Sapphire UAV" has a wingspan of seven feet and is built from a variety of lightweight composite materials. It is electrically powered by rechargeable batteries and is capable of sustained flight approaching one hour on a single charge. The aircraft can be configured to fly autonomously using a GPS guidance system and autopilot. Larry Feir, test pilot and builder for Innovation Robotics, will be piloting the UAV for this demonstration and will be available for interviews.
Prairie Ridge is located off Reedy Creek Road, between Edwards Mill
and Blue Ridge roads (just past the National Guard Armory). For more
information, contact Jon Pishney at 919-733-7450, ext. 304. (In case
of inclement weather, call 919-244-7913 to confirm flyover.)
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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