Geophysical survey (GS) and pipeline monitoring (PM) services to oil and gas exploration and production companies

The key objectives of the project are to provide geophysical survey (GS) and pipeline monitoring (PM) services to oil and gas exploration and production companies, as well as mining exploration companies. The project aimed to introduce a disruptive technology based on light (<45 kg) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) using satellite communications and navigation services to enable the RPA to operate beyond line of sight, and yet remain in contact with the Ground Control Station (GCS). The periodic introduction of innovations would enable year – on – year GS and PM service price reductions. The demonstration concept involved the use of RPAs in a GS demonstration in the UK, so the data quality, the logistical requirements, the regulatory burden and all of the costs could be compared with equivalent metrics for manned aircraft performing the same task. The aim of the PM tests, which took place in Norway, and PM demo, which took place in Barcelona in Spain, was to evaluate the effectiveness of detecting anomalies on a road, during both day and nighttime.