Unmanned Helicopter Surveys Katrina Damage

Scientists use unmanned aircraft to dive into hurricanes, and earlier this year the US Air Force used a small, unmanned plane to survey hurricane damage around New Orleans.

Building off these missions, engineering researchers from the University of South Florida are sending the Like90, a small, radio-controlled helicopter, to the Mississippi Gulf Coast today to practice exploration maneuvers and test new equipment.

The research team will examine damage to vacant multi-story buildings to develop new techniques for maneuvering and using their helicopter. They will also be testing new optic and range sensors that may help the helicopter operate in the dark.

--Bjorn Carey

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Credit: Like90, SSRRC