IKI, Nagasaki, Japan – 14 May 2018 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), gave the community of Iki City and Nagasaki Prefecture a “Public Day” demonstration of its Guardian RPA on May 13. Approximately 300 people visited Iki Airport and met the GA-ASI staff.
The demonstrations, which officially began on Thursday, consist of approximately 10 five-hour test flights over a three week period out of Iki Airport, in the Nagasaki Prefecture and will collect data that will be shared across multiple government agencies.
The flights will collect data for three main purposes:
- Meteorological, disaster and oceanic observations
- Marine accidents and rescue support
- Aviation, communications and industrial support
GA-ASI is leading the demonstrations in cooperation with the Iki Airport. The data collected with the sensors on the Guardian will be provided to research institutions to support scientific research, and flight data will be given to relevant organizations to help establish procedures for using RPA systems in private airspace. Details for the demonstration have been coordinated with a number of organizations, including airspace authorities.
GA-ASI has sent a team of experienced RPA pilots and maintenance personnel to Japan to ensure safe operations during all phases of the demonstrations.
