Small Unmanned Aircraft Evaluated for Avalanche Control

The Washington State Department of Transportation's (DOT) snow avalanche control program reduces winter roadway closure times and hazards to motorists. The University of Washington and the Washington State DOT evaluated small unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) as a tool to enhance this program. Because of military investment, UAS technology has dropped in cost as it has become increasingly capable and easier to operate. Commercially available UASs, which fly autonomously, can be operated off a roadway and can collect low-cost, real-time aerial imagery while also carrying payloads. This project conducted a series of test flights involving both fixed- and rotary-wing (helicopter) UASs over a roadway in mountainous terrain. The flights demonstrated that UASs can conduct snowpack and terrain surveillance and can accurately drop explosive charges such as those used to trigger controlled avalanches. The rotary-wing UAS was particularly usable because of its ability to hover, which provided a stable camera platform, and because it required minimal area to land. The reliability of UASs is a concern, and their capabilities may be challenged by mountainous terrain and weather. This problem may be reduced as UASs become either less expensive and more expendable or more reliable and all-weather capable. A major barrier to use of UASs is the need to obtain approval to fly from FAA, a process that can be time-consuming and restrictive. FAA is currently updating its plans to integrate UASs into the national airspace, and a number of technology-based solutions are being considered.