A key technological stage — the first ever remote control of an unmanned aerial vehicle in Antarctica from the territory of Russia. Operators from the Izhevsk Flight Control Center took control of the ZALA T-16, located thousands of kilometers away. Over-the-horizon communication and integration with the ZALA 4Z1x digital platform ensured the transmission of telemetry and high-definition video in real time. In remote mode, the complex conducted surveillance of hazardous areas and penguin colonies.

Another important achievement — aerial photography of a penguin colony on Kameny Island near the Mirny station. The area is closed to human visitation to preserve the penguin population. From an altitude of several hundred meters, without disturbing the birds, the ZALA T-16 created a detailed orthophotoplan of their habitat. The experience of the anniversary Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE), commemorating the 70th anniversary of the first Soviet expeditions, confirmed the readiness of Russian UAVs for regular operations in the harshest regions of the planet.

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Сообщение ZALA в Антарктиде: итоги работы в составе Российской антарктической экспедиции появились сначала на ZALA — Беспилотные системы (БПЛА), беспилотные воздушные суда (БВС).

The operation of ZALA T-16 UAVs in Antarctica takes place in extreme conditions, which place increased demands on the equipment and serve as the best test of its reliability. Low temperatures, strong winds, complex terrain, and altitude variations – ZALA unmanned aerial systems, developed with experience gained from working in the Arctic, Antarctic, and other hard-to-reach regions, have confirmed their ability to effectively solve tasks in the harshest conditions.

During planned scientific monitoring work on the ice continent, the ZALA T-16 unmanned aerial vehicle was fully taken under the control of operators from the Moscow Flight Control Centre at a certain stage. Furthermore, integration with the ZALA 4Z1x digital platform allowed specialists in Izhevsk and Moscow to simultaneously receive telemetry and high-quality video transmission from the unmanned vehicle.

The video and telemetry data obtained from the UAV provided SAE scientists with unique information for biological and environmental monitoring, as well as for research into the dynamics of glaciers and the coastal zone of the fifth continent. The ability to rapidly receive up-to-date data from the office in Moscow significantly broadens the horizons for planning fieldwork and allows scientists to concentrate more effectively on priority tasks.

This flight confirmed the high reliability of the solutions used: Previously, the company had successfully used similar principles to control an unmanned vessel in Antarctica with an external pilot from Izhevsk. The current stage demonstrates the readiness of the unmanned aviation system (UAS) for constant practical application.

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Сообщение Научный мониторинг Антарктиды: ZALA Т-16 подтвердил надежность работы в высоких широтах появились сначала на ZALA — Беспилотные системы (БПЛА), беспилотные воздушные суда (БВС).

Operators of the ZALA T-16 unmanned aerial vehicle system, together with scientists, conducted a aerial surveys colonies from an altitude of several hundred metres as part of a biological monitoring programme. The BWS survey of the area did not disturb the birds, but allowed us to see their habitats and view the penguins themselves. The data collected provided the basis for the creation of an orthophoto that will be used to analyse their habitat in more depth.

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Сообщение БВС ZALA провели аэрофотосъемку колонии пингвинов в Антарктиде появились сначала на ZALA — Беспилотные системы (БПЛА), беспилотные воздушные суда (БВС).

This is the first successful instance of remotely controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle in Antarctic latitudes from Russian territory, thousands of kilometers away. The key role was played by over-the-horizon control technology, specifically developed by ZALA engineers for operation in conditions where the presence of a pilot on-site is impossible or difficult.

A reliable C2 (Command & Control) relay link allowed specialists in Izhevsk to receive real-time video from the ZALA T-16 and control its flight as if they were directly in Antarctica. The flight missions were aimed at monitoring potentially hazardous areas (ice cracks and fissures) and conducting aerial observations of penguin colonies as part of a biological monitoring program.

Furthermore, integration with the ZALA 4Z1x digital platform provided specialists in Izhevsk and Moscow with real-time access to the onboard video feed, which ran uninterrupted and in high definition, as well as a full array of telemetry data.

This achievement opens up new possibilities for remote monitoring and research in the most remote corners of the planet.

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Сообщение ZALA T-16: впервые в истории управление БВС в Антарктиде из России появились сначала на ZALA — Беспилотные системы (БПЛА), беспилотные воздушные суда (БВС).

ZALA specialists, together with staff from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI), completed the first stage of work as part of the 71st Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE). The work was conducted at the year-round Progress Antarctic Station, the unofficial capital of the Russian Antarctic Expedition.

The ZALA T-16 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has proven its exceptional reliability in high-latitude conditions. During this phase, laser scanning and aerial photography of the station and surrounding areas were conducted. The ZALA UAV demonstrated high-quality communication with the ground control station in Antarctic conditions and ensured high-quality live video transmission.

The next stop on the 71st RAE program will be the oldest Soviet and Russian Antarctic station, Mirny.

Stay tuned for further RAE news on our channel.

Сообщение Продолжая дело первопроходцев: БПЛА ZALA помогают учёным в год 70-летия антарктической экспедиции появились сначала на ZALA — Беспилотные системы (БПЛА), беспилотные воздушные суда (БВС).

The scientific team, along with staff from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, includes specialists from ZALA. They delivered the ZALA T-16 unmanned aerial vehicle to the continent to conduct aerial monitoring and unique scientific observations in the study of the Antarctic environment, climate change, and hazardous natural processes. The ZALA system will also ensure the safety of logistics operations as part of the 71st Antarctic Expedition's work program.

ZALA T-16 systems have over 20 years of experience operating in extreme conditions—they are used to monitor critical infrastructure throughout Russia and are well-equipped to withstand harsh climates. Their interference-resistant communication channels ensure stable operation even in in conditions of strong electromagnetic storms, characteristic of high latitudes.

Ahead of the expedition — Continuing the large-scale scientific program along the route. It is worth noting that the use of ZALA unmanned aerial systems is already opening up new opportunities for exploring hard-to-reach areas of Antarctica.

Сообщение ZALA в Антарктиде появились сначала на ZALA — Беспилотные системы (БПЛА), беспилотные воздушные суда (БВС).