The ZALA Z-16 ARCTIC Multifunctional UAV Will Be Tested in Antarctica.

The ZALA Z-16 ARTIC UAV will be tested in Antarctica in 2024. This UAV model will be the second after ZALA Z-08 to be tested and used in the harsh conditions of the Antarctic climate by scientists from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI).

AARI and ZALA started their cooperation on the use of UAVs to study Arctic and Antarctica in 2019. To do this, they used the special purpose UAV ZALA Z-08 ARTIC. Using it, they successfully carried out comprehensive surveys of the Antarctic coast. In addition to Antarctica, they used it near the North Pole. The scientists highly appreciated the UAV, since it could withstand temperatures down to -50°C and strong winds, and did not require special conditions for launch.

In 2024 AARI will expand its UAV fleet by putting in service the ZALA Z-16 ARCTIC UAV. This model has a number of advantages compared to Z-08: flight duration of more than 4 hours, communication range up to 50 km, and compatibility with modern payloads. ZALA Z-16 features will significantly enhance the research tool kit of the scientists and will give them the opportunity to obtain more necessary information to solve their tasks.

Using ZALA UAVs, scientists perform high-precision aerial photography, process images, and create terrain maps. They also monitor dangerous natural processes, such as lake overflowing, englacial melting etc. Based on the data obtained from the UAV, scientists were able to obtain valuable information about changes affecting the global climate, such as shifting ice fields.

Expansion of cooperation with ZALA will start with the training of new AARI specialists as UAV operators at the ZALA Training Center. Having acquired the necessary skills to control the UAV, scientists will begin using the ZALA Z-16 UAV. Stay tuned for more information.