In the Omsk Region, local enthusiasts have begun developing an unusual project — an unmanned An-2 specifically for transporting drones in Arctic conditions. This was announced by Vladimir Streltsov, director of the region's Scientific and Production Center for Unmanned Aviation Systems (NPTs BAS).
According to him, NPTs is working on the issue of expanding into the Arctic. For now, the focus is on monitoring and the targeted delivery of necessary products.
Omsk has unique developments — these are the An-2 and An-3, which we can, and are trying to, turn into the development of an unmanned system. A large, heavy one, capable of carrying Arctic drones.
It is worth noting that the idea of making the "crop duster" unmanned is not new. To do this, the biplane will have to be fitted with a digital control system, while the pedals and control stick will be replaced with servo drives to move the control surfaces and flaps on the computer's command.
If we are talking about the Arctic, then ordinary GPS in the icy region may operate unstably. Apparently, inertial systems will be useful there, determining position by motion sensors rather than by satellite. Control of the An-2 will be ensured by satellite communication antennas so that an operator in Omsk can "take the controls" of the aircraft at any moment.
Earlier, "First Technical" explained why Russia has no right to build new An-2s.
Read more materials on the topic:
- "Little giant": Omsk engineers revived the legendary An-2
- Hundreds of Soviet An-2s were proposed to be returned to service: however, there is no aviation gasoline for them in Russia
- 3.38 billion rubles allocated for the development of a new engine for the An-2: the aircraft is not mass-produced
