The National Optics Institute (INO) has purchased ING Robotic Aviation’s Responder rotary wing robotic aircraft system, which includes the aircraft as well as a Ground Control System (GCS) and ancillary equipment, for an advanced sensor integration project. Delivery of the overall system, as well as a condensed one-week training package, is scheduled for early Spring 2014.
The robotic aircraft was sold to INO, a Canadian photonics company, with the purpose of integrating a hyper spectral camera into the platform. Once integrated, the aircraft will be transferred to INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) in order to be used as a technology for scientific research. Unique in Canada, the integrated airborne imaging system purchased by INRS will support lake and river water quality control, help coastal zone management, ease snow and ice cover monitoring, and allow precision agriculture studies. The system will not only provide valuable scientific data but will also help to design the next generation of Earth observation satellites.
“Teaming with world-class partners like ING and INRS, INO has shown, once again, its versatility and expertise to integrate optics and imaging technologies to the novel and fast emerging field of low-altitude airborne characterization of rivers, farmlands, and forests” said Dr. Paul-François Paradis, Senior Researcher at INO.
“Responder is as an excellent tool to aid scientific research in Canada,” said Ian Glenn, CEO and CTO of ING Robotic Aviation. “Our equipment will be used to get the right information, into the right hands, at the right time.”
“We are also happy to be identified by and working with another innovative company like INO.”
The stabilized payload platform has been specially designed for heavy lift that allows the aircraft to hold up to 11kg of sensor weight. This highlights Responder’s flexibility: it is also easy to use, performs well in adverse weather conditions, and is readily maintainable and robust.
