Supported By DHS’s Project JUSTICE

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) from the Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Raspet Flight Research Laboratory deployed to Georgia on September 29 to conduct flights over areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The Raspet team worked together with MSU’s Northern Gulf Institute to the UAS to gather real-time data to provide to FEMA for their response to Hurricane Helene. The team used its largest UAS, the Teros, developed by the Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation in collaboration with Sonex as the builder of the airframe.

The Teros was outfitted with sophisticated sensors and cameras to feed data and visuals to the FEMA personnel covering the movement of floodwaters. The Institute has led research efforts to improve flood modeling and river forecasting through the use of data and imagery collected during UAS flights.

Bryan Farrell, interim director of the Raspet Flight Research Lab said, “I am extremely proud that MSU’s UAS capabilities are supporting our federal partners as they carry out critical missions to protect lives and property. This deployment comes after years of collaboration and successful training exercises.”

Farrell continued, “These efforts highlight the many ways large UAS can support emergency response, and how our research centers here at MSU work together to deliver new capabilities to our stakeholders. The effort not only provides immediate data for decision-makers, but the lessons learned influences future research directions.”

Mark Schaible, Sonex owner and President said, “We are very proud to see Teros serve the public in this vital MSU mission, and to continue our collaboration with NASC as they extend the market reach of Teros.”

FMI:  www.msstate.edu/ , www.sonexaircraft.com/