UAV which is controlled by computer proves effective to monitor natural disasters including landslides and floods.Jakarta (ANTARA nEWS) - The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) is developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to help monitor natural disasters in the country, its chairman said.
"We have produced this kind of vehicle this year," LAPAN Chairman Bambang S Tejasukmana said after opening a workshop of the National Council of Aeronautics and Space here on Thursday.
The UAV called LSU-03 is able to carry load of up to 10 kg and fly at an altitude of up to 500 m, he said.
The vehicle has been used to take aerial photos of volcanoes and farm land in the country, he said.
"We are now preparing a UAV to monitor natural disasters that happen in the country," he said.
He said the UAV which is controlled by computer proves effective to monitor natural disasters including landslides and floods.
The agency is developing methods and procedures of operating UAV, he said.
"The vehicle is the work of LAPAN," he said.
Asked if the agency would produce more AUVs for sales, he said he still has no plan to do so.
Research and Technology Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta said earlier his ministry plans to exhibit a wide range of locally-made high technology products, ranging from airplane, satellite, AUV to jet fighter during the 2013 Technology Day which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of LAPAN.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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