Norut has assembled an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for research on remote sensing and demonstration of civilian UAS applications. The CryoWing system was initially designed for cryospheric measurements and environmental monitoring. The airframe is designed to fulfill our requirements for a low cost platform, with long endurance, moderate payload capacity and capability to operate without a runway.  The CryoWing airframe is equipped with an autopilot with satellite communication link. An onboard computer controls the payload and stores the data from different sensors and instruments. The payload computer utilize a GSM/GPRS (where available) or independent satellite downlink, and key personnel can monitor the UAV position and payload status from anywhere in the world connected to the internet.

A wide variety of payload instruments are available for the CryoWing platform, whereas others are in planning. Please consult the payload page for details. We are open for collaboration on integration and testing of new instrumentation.

The UAV, as an inexpensive airborne instrument platform, opens new possibilities within research, resource management and environmental surveillance. Possible applications are:

- Mapping of snow cover and snow water equivalent

- Resource management, grazing load, population estimates of seals, reindeers, polar bears, ...

- Detection and surveillance of algae blooms

- Atmospheric data for weather forecasting

- Surveillance of offshore oil and shipping activities

- Natural disaster management

- Research within a number of fields

- Satellite validation and testing