No winter hibernation for KaarbonTech or the eBee
Unlike its distant relative the honeybee the SenseFly eBee, unmanned aerial vehicle, flown in the UK by KaarbonTech is showing no signs of needing winter hibernation.
Instead of collecting pollen, the eBee has been up in the wintery skies gathering image data for a diverse range of KaarbonTech clients.
Since its first UK flight in June 2013 the eBee has completed aerial surveys for, amongst others, the National Trust, Womad music festival and green energy company Ecotricity.
Mark Entwistle, Managing Director, said:
“The eBee is impressing clients with the quality of image it is able to capture.
“It has been tested in temperatures ranging from -15°C to 35°C and is more than a match for any weather the British winter has in store.”
The craft has a flight time of up to 45 minutes and is highly portable – fitting into a small carrying case – combined with the fact that it is easily launched it is proving an ideal solution for clients.
The images captured are processed in-house by KaarbonTech to create bespoke maps and precision elevation models.
The eBee, from SenseFly has a 16MP camera allowing it to shoot aerial imagery at down to 3cm/pixel resolution. The images can then be used to create accurate maps and elevation models.
Its aerodynamic profile allows cruising speeds of 36-57km/h (10-16m/s). The eBee can resist winds of up to 45km/h (12m/s) increasing the survey success rate in British weather.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) implements a strict permissions system before allowing companies to operate in the UK. All pilots must pass flight tests to CAA standards and companies must have an approved operating manual showing how they complete surveys safely. KaarbonTech passed both areas with ‘flying colours’ in June, making them the first company with qualified pilots and an approved operating system.
KaarbonTech also provide aerial surveying across the UK using the Swinglet UAS, another Sensefly plane. They also process all their data in house to produce topographical maps, digital elevation models, volumetric measurements and orthomosaics for the complete service.
For more information contact:
Email: Nicola.davies@kaarcbontech.co.
