Development of the Low-Altitude Maritime Survey-Sampling (LAMASS) System

In this Phase I effort, PEMDAS Technologies and Innovations, in collaboration with Aerovel, Inc., proposes to assess the feasibility of developing a multi-mission, transdisciplinary manned aerial platform, capable of fulfilling NOAA’s requirement to survey, map and collect on our nation’s natural ecosystems. Combining Aerovel’s experience in UAS development with PEMDAS’ atmospheric sensor expertise, we propose adapting proven UAS technologies with advanced sensor development to design the Low-Altitude Maritime Survey-Sampling (LAMSS) system, an innovative solution intended to deliver the necessary capabilities for Electro-Optical and Infrared and full motion video maritime surveys using Automatic Identification System with simultaneous collection of planetary boundary layer (PBL) observations to enable the government to monitor the planet’s air and water resources in remote maritime locations and measure its boundary layer more safely and with greater effectiveness. As outlined in the proposal, the technical challenges primarily surround identification and integration of viable technologies capable of meeting the stringent operational requirements detailed in the subtopic description. An extensive review and evaluation of currently available technologies will be conducted in design of the LAMSS system. A proof-of-concept demonstration flight will be conducted to show the feasibility of integrating a suite of atmospheric sensors onto the candidate platform.