Autonomous cargo aircraft manufacturer Windracers has signed a contract to provide NORCE with two Windracers UTRA aircraft for use in Antarctic scientific survey missions.
The upcoming Troll Observing Network (TONe) will be a state-of-the-art, multi-platform, multi-disciplined distributed observation network established on or around the Norwegian research station Troll in Dronning Maud Land, described by Windracers as “one of the most data-poor areas in Antarctica”. From this remote location, Norwegian and international researchers will collect invaluable observational data to create a better understanding of the Antarctic.
Drawing on the success of Windracers’ work with the British Antarctic Survey, two ULTRA aircraft will now be employed by independent research institution NORCE, which will integrate its specialist sensors into the aircraft. “Windracers ULTRA is uniquely suited to support NORCE through its multi-mission capability and Antarctic mission experience,” commented Windracers CEO Simon Muderack.
The acquisition of the two Windracers ULTRA aircraft is just one element of a £200 million upgrade for NORCE, including a new research station at Troll, a renewable energy system and eight science observatories. The Windracers will allow to “carry a comprehensive optical and radar payload and cover the region from the nearby ocean to the Antarctic Plateau,” explained senior vice president of operating systems at NORCE Rune Storvold.
Storvord also praised the ULTRA for its “proven ability to complete missions in the extreme conditions of Antarctica,” with the aircraft having already flown 3,000km in 25 scientific survey flights with the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024. It will augment NORCE’s existing fleet of crewed and remotely-piloted aircraft.
