Researchers from the Arctic Research Centre 'Russian Arctic' (based in three northern regions of Russia) presented an unmanned ship (marine drone), which can be used for Arctic research. The scientific director of the centre, Marat Eseev, told about this.

The drone is a vessel up to 6 m long, driven by a propeller engine or jet system. Its hull is made of low-pressure polyethylene, as this material is not subject to corrosion.

The ship can carry cargo and monitor the environment at a distance from its base up to 500 miles (804.6 km). The development of the Arctic Research Centre 'Russian Arctic' can be used for military purposes and for civil initiatives.

According to Eseev, the intellectual stuffing of the unmanned ship allows it to operate autonomously. Movement is carried out thanks to laser range finders-lidars, they help the marine drone to avoid obstacles and correct its course. 

In addition, the ship can be controlled by an operator, communication with him is provided through an antenna installed on board. To increase the range of the signal, the launch of auxiliary repeater ships is provided.

Equipment for meteorology and monitoring, including thermometers, wind speed and direction sensors, salinity meters of sea water, can be placed on the drone.

Earlier www1.ru wrote that an unmanned hydrographic drone 'Kalan' for monitoring water resources was presented on Sakhalin. here.