Specialists from GK Tikhie Krylya LLC (part of the Kalashnikov Group) are completing the airborne geophysical survey phase in remote areas of Russia’s Far East. The project covers major ore occurrences and their flanks, according to the Kalashnikov Group’s press service.
The data collection utilizes airborne laser scanning, aerial photography, and aeromagnetic surveying. Vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (VTOL UAVs) such as the Alpha-E enable research in challenging terrain and areas with limited accessibility.
The Alpha-E unmanned aerial system (UAS), developed by Kalashnikov Group and GK Tikhie Krylya LLC, is a multifunctional VTOL drone designed for geophysical and other specialized missions in demanding environments. The platform can launch from compact sites measuring 23×23 to 33×33 feet (7×7 to 10×10 meters), including any solid surface or moving object, making it highly versatile for urban, mountainous, forested, and emergency zones.
Alpha-E’s key advantages include cost-effectiveness due to a long operational lifespan (1,800 flight hours or about three years), high autonomy, adaptability to changing conditions, and the ability to perform extended geophysical missions. For example, it can conduct aeromagnetic surveys of up to 15.5 miles (25 km) per sortie and laser scanning of up to 1.5 square miles (4 sq. km). These features make the system highly sought after for monitoring, mineral exploration, and scientific applications.
This season, the surveyed area has increased eightfold compared to last year. To boost efficiency, company specialists have developed new UAV control algorithms, accelerating data collection and optimizing costs. Real-time quality control and data completeness are ensured via satellite communications.
Operating the Alpha-E UAV in the region requires adaptation to variable weather, including frequent rain, gusty winds up to 40 mph (18 m/s), and temperature fluctuations from 39°F to 86°F (4°C to 30°C). Additional challenges include the lack of accurate terrain models, elevation changes up to 2,600 feet (800 m), dense vegetation, and limited launch sites. Despite these factors, operations fully comply with technical requirements.
The result of the airborne geophysical surveys includes digital terrain models (DTMs) and maps of anomalous magnetic fields for the surveyed areas of the Far East. DTMs provide a detailed three-dimensional representation of the landscape, enabling analysis of elevation changes, landform structure, identification of potential geological features, and planning of further exploration.
Magnetic anomaly maps contain data on the distribution of magnetic anomalies within the study areas. These materials are used to refine the region’s geological and geophysical structure, locate ore-bearing strata, and assess prospective zones for mineral exploration. The maps are generated from aeromagnetic surveys, allowing detection of hidden structures and anomalies not visible on the surface.
The delivered data package typically includes: digital terrain models in GIS-compatible formats (GeoTIFF, LAS), magnetic anomaly maps, and technical reports detailing survey methods, parameters, and data processing results. This comprehensive dataset enables clients to conduct integrated territory analysis and supports decision-making in geological exploration and project planning, according to GK Tikhie Krylya.
This season, the surveyed area has increased eightfold compared to last year. To boost efficiency, company specialists have developed new UAV control algorithms, accelerating data collection and optimizing costs. Real-time quality control and data completeness are ensured via satellite communications.
Operating the Alpha-E UAV in the region requires adaptation to variable weather, including frequent rain, gusty winds up to 40 mph (18 m/s), and temperature fluctuations from 39°F to 86°F (4°C to 30°C). Additional challenges include the lack of accurate terrain models, elevation changes up to 2,600 feet (800 m), dense vegetation, and limited launch sites. Despite these factors, operations fully comply with technical requirements.
The result of the airborne geophysical surveys includes digital terrain models (DTMs) and maps of anomalous magnetic fields for the surveyed areas of the Far East. DTMs provide a detailed three-dimensional representation of the landscape, enabling analysis of elevation changes, landform structure, identification of potential geological features, and planning of further exploration.
Magnetic anomaly maps contain data on the distribution of magnetic anomalies within the study areas. These materials are used to refine the region’s geological and geophysical structure, locate ore-bearing strata, and assess prospective zones for mineral exploration. The maps are generated from aeromagnetic surveys, allowing detection of hidden structures and anomalies not visible on the surface.
The delivered data package typically includes: digital terrain models in GIS-compatible formats (GeoTIFF, LAS), magnetic anomaly maps, and technical reports detailing survey methods, parameters, and data processing results. This comprehensive dataset enables clients to conduct integrated territory analysis and supports decision-making in geological exploration and project planning, according to GK Tikhie Krylya.
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