In the Altai Republic, for the first time in Russia, a drone installed a power transmission line crossing over the Biya River near Lake Teletskoye. The drone stretched a wire over a section 896 meters long, where the use of ground equipment is impossible due to the complex terrain and the turbulent, unfrozen river. The project was implemented by ElKo and Rosseti Siberia companies.
A hexacopter with high thrust, capable of pulling a rope between supports, was used for the work. A lightweight and durable rope and a special winch with a tension control system, resistant to overheating during prolonged operation, were also developed for the project.
Before launching the technology, specialists created a test site where they tested equipment and trained UAV operators. The system is currently being refined on a section with a distance of 1600 meters between supports. Simultaneously, a new drone and a modernized winch are being developed.
The technology is designed for installing power lines in hard-to-reach areas. With classic wire pulling across rivers or federal highways, it usually requires traffic closures, the use of watercraft or helicopters, and the involvement of a large number of specialists.