IUP will test a new hybrid drone as part of its continued effort in its unmanned aerial systems science and applications program.
The university acquired a WingtraOne Generation II hybrid drone, which means that it has the ability to take off and land vertically in compact areas, and to fly at altitude on fixed wings. This will allow this particular drone to fly over larger land areas using less battery power and acquire high-resolution images from higher altitudes. The unique abilities of the drone will allow for opportunities for student and faculty research and field work. Projects are already being planned and implemented to use the drone and the multiple sensors it carries to acquire data in support of research on high-accuracy 2-D and 3-D mapping, sea rise, and other phenomena.
The money to acquire the drone came from a federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant of $1 million that was provided to the university.
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