Unmanned aircraft will be used to monitor floods during monsoon

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will use a newly built unmanned aircraft to monitor floods during the monsoon season.
Science Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau said the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Remote Sensing (UAV-RS) would be utilised to obtain additional data and provide information for authorities during rescue missions.
"We will still use the satellites to obtain images of land, but for more detailed data, we will use the UAV-RS as it provides 3D motion images.
"With the aircraft, we can get the data in real time and of course, we would share it with the rescue agencies," Madius said after launching the UAV-RS at the Remote Sensing Agency (ARSM) here.
The aircraft was collaboratively developed by ARSM, Multimedia University and UST Sdn. Bhd.
The UAV-RS has the ability to fly for four hours (in a single session) and up to 3,000 metres with a radius of 100 kilometres.
To date, the aircraft has 180 hours 4 minutes under its belt since its trial sessions in 2010.
Madius added the government could optimise the UAV-RS to provide faster information in emergencies coupled with its low maintenance costs.
"The technology made it possible for us to innovate and face emergencies. We can even use the aircraft for other activities. For example, in farm management, we can use this technology in auditing farms," he said.