Russian Helicopters (RHC), a holding company under the Rostec State Corporation, is actively working to adapt its BAS-200 unmanned helicopters for maritime operations. These drones are expected to operate from the decks of icebreakers, supporting their missions in the Arctic Ocean. According to Rosteс press service on December 16, the drones could be used for ice reconnaissance or exploring mineral resources on the continental shelf.

Helicopter-based unmanned aerial systems are particularly relevant in the Arctic due to the scarcity of airfields and prepared landing zones, as well as the need for ship-based drone operations. During the 14th International Forum "Arctic: Today and the Future," a representative of the National Helicopter Center named after Mikhail Mil and Nikolai Kamov, the primary design center of RHC, spoke about the potential practical applications of drone technologies in the Arctic region.

To date, the holding's engineers have accumulated extensive experience using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the High North. The BAS-200 drones have undergone several tests near the Arctic Circle, including trials with equipment for aerogravimetric and aeromagnetic surveys. These tests confirmed the drones' ability to take off and land on decks.

"The BAS-200 unmanned aerial system has great potential for Arctic operations, as proven in practice. One promising use is to support the icebreaker fleet. These aircraft can be based on icebreakers and operate from their decks, performing tasks such as cargo transport, ice reconnaissance, mineral exploration, and search-and-rescue missions. Essentially, the BAS-200 is already capable of executing these tasks," RHC stated.

Additionally, the BAS-200's technical solutions, including its automatic control system and onboard radio-electronic equipment, could be applied in the future to convert any piloted helicopter in the holding's lineup into an unmanned model. Research into these possibilities is currently being conducted on an initiative basis.

The BAS-200 drone was developed by the National Helicopter Center named after Mikhail Mil and Nikolai Kamov. The UAV has a maximum takeoff weight of up to 200 kg, a flight endurance of up to 4 hours, and a communication range of up to 100 km. If necessary, control of the drone can be transferred from one station to another, allowing for an extended communication range.

Recently, the Deputy Head of the Civil Shipbuilding Department of Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade assured that the construction of the first five LNG carriers for the Arctic LNG 2 project at the Zvezda shipyard is a top priority. It is emphasised that they are nearing 90 per cent completion. The Arctic Century summed up the outcomes of the biggest Arctic event in Russia in the latest article.

Source: Flagman

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