Making the case for small unmanned aerial vehicles

For years the US military has used unmanned aerial vehicles without much public attention. The conflicts in Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq changed that. Unmanned aerial vehicles emerged on center stage and could soon enter commercial service in the offshore petroleum industry.

The larger, high altitude, unmanned aircraft often garner the most publicity; however the smaller versions of these aircraft are more suited to the offshore petroleum industry. These small unmanned aerial vehicles or SUAVs are lightweight, durable, low altitude aircraft able to withstand abuse and still perform. They frequently weigh less than 10 lb, but they clearly are not toys. Inside their Kevlar fuselages they carry advanced visual cameras, infrared cameras, and communications equipment required to relay real-time video images.

After the passage of a tropical storm or hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, there is always a scramble to survey the infrastructure. The near future may see SUAVs deployed to perform these surveys. Launched from the shore or offshore platforms, they could provide visual surveys immediately after a storm, at night, or in advance of the arrival of manned aircraft and crew boats. In doing so, they could expedite storm recovery by quickly identifying problem areas.

Visual cameras mounted on these aircraft can see details on distant objects, while the infrared cameras allow for low light and nighttime operations. An operator uses live images relayed from the aircraft’s flight cameras to determine the flight path. These aircraft can also precisely follow GPS coordinates. New sensor packages now under development should add the ability to detect hazardous gases in the surrounding atmosphere. Imagine being able to reconnoiter a remote offshore facility day or night and in inclement weather, checking for unauthorized personnel, structural damage, spills, or hazardous gas leaks.

Durability is always a prime consideration offshore. Some SUAV models are constructed almost entirely from Kevlar and are virtually indestructible. Individual aircraft have operated for years under challenging military field conditions without failure. They are routinely launched and recovered by a single individual. One model is particularly appropriate for offshore deployment. It lands in salt water and is scooped out with a small net. Waterproof seals protect the aircraft’s sensitive cameras, electronics, and electric motor from corrosion.

There are both gasoline and battery powered versions of SUAVs, but the latter are increasingly preferred by the military due to their reliability and ease of use. Given the desire to keep flammable fuel away from topsides, it is likely that battery powered SUAVs will also be preferable in the offshore industry. With current battery technologies, SUAVs can stay aloft for 1 1/2 to 4 hours and cover tens of miles. The rechargeable batteries can be readily replaced for quick turnarounds.

As you would expect, the early production versions of SUAVs were expensive; however the military is now ordering substantial volumes and production costs are dropping. Today, a complete SUAV system is a fraction of the cost of a manned fixed wing or helicopter system. Insurance and maintenance costs are similarly much lower for the SUAV.

So why are no SUAVs operating today in the GoM? The answer is simple. Proven systems were not available at a reasonable cost until the US military embraced this technology. Recent large orders by the military have brought about dramatic cost reductions for the cameras, avionics, and other critical components in these aircraft. Plus there are now trained, ex-military personnel familiar with the operation of these aircraft. It’s likely that at least some of those veterans have already found their way into the offshore petroleum industry and would be delighted to once again operate these aircraft.

Of course, the Federal Aviation Administration will exercise ultimate control over the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles in US airspace. The FAA’s regulations will be influenced by the commercial applicability of these systems and by input from potential customers. This is all the more reason why the offshore petroleum industry should become more familiar with the capabilities and potential benefits of the SUAVs.

Air space in the GoM is well used, and SUAVs will need to be safely integrated into this system. These unmanned aircraft will not be able to visually identify and avoid other aircraft; however they can be outfitted with transponders to make them identifiable and avoidable to manned aircraft. Furthermore, a SUAV following a pre-set GPS route is also essentially following a flight plan.

Without too much effort, it is possible to envision myriad roles for SUAVs in the offshore industry. Launched from central production facilities, they may be used to monitor and survey satellite installations. They could also conceivably fly pipeline routes or perform marine mammal surveys. Imaginative minds in the offshore industry will no doubt identify many more applications for this technology.

SUAVs will almost certainly never displace manned aircraft, but they will be able to provide both cost savings and operational flexibility to the offshore petroleum industry.

John Barratt, President
Natural Carbon LLC

The author is a petroleum industry veteran and the founder of a company facilitating the introduction of new technologies into the energy industry. He can be contacted at [email protected].

This page reflects viewpoints on the political, economic, cultural, technological, and environmental issues that shape the future of the petroleum industry. Offshore Magazine invites you to share your thoughts. Email your Beyond the Horizon manuscript to Eldon Ball at [email protected].