Kategorien
Drones, from Alps to Arctic
Photo: Jason Williams/ACUASI
In South Tyrol, FlyingBasket wrapped a provincial pilot: 21 flights to four alpine huts (Borletti, Payer, Vedretta Pendente, Vallaga), delivering approx. 1,000 kg of supplies at >3,000 m and back-hauling empties. With payloads up to 120 kg/h, the all-electric ops offered a quieter, lower-carbon alternative to helicopters—supporting hut resupply without extra road or air traffic. CEO Moritz Moroder: drones can "revolutionize alpine logistics."
Meanwhile in Alaska, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)/Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (Acuasi) began missions with Windracers "Ultra", a twin-engine heavy-lift UAS (wingspan 9.5 m, range approx. 965 km, payload 90 kg) to test BVLOS delivery of essentials to 200+ remote communities. Acuasi Director Cathy Cahill says the goal is routine unmanned cargo in harsh conditions, enhancing safety when crewed flights face weather limits. (ah)