3D-printed UAV helps Royal Navy ship navigate through Antarctic sea ice

Last summer, the Southampton University demonstrated the feasibility of launching its 3D-printed unmanned aerial vehicle from a Royal Navy warship. This time, the UAV is being tested in tough Antarctic conditions aboard the Royal Navy’s ice patrol ship HMS Protector.

Photo: Royal Navy

Together with a quadcopter, both drones are helping the ship’s crew navigate through thick ice by beaming back high-quality pictures of the ship’s surrounding environment.