Gazprom Neft tested a multikopter with an auto pilot for delivery of a load to the field

In November, 2017 it became known that the Gazprom Neft company successfully performed trial delivery of a load to the field using the pilotless aircraft (PA) of helicopter type — a multikopter.

The distance on route, laid with observance of the greatest possible security measures, made 15 km. Flight completely took place in the automatic mode. The freight weighing 12.8 kg (the shut-off valve of a gas armature) was delivered from the warehouse platform Gazpromneft Supply in Noyabrsk (YaNAO) to the Sporyshevsky field.

Multikopter, prototype

The project is implemented jointly by specialists of Directorate in purchases and capital construction of Gazprom Neft and the staff of INITI company. On the basis of specially conducted researches and calculations the prototype of BVS capable to carry out assigned tasks was created.

As noted, original conditions of carrying out flights for BVS of the Russian steel production "average" climatic conditions of the city of Noyabrsk: negative temperature at the Earth's surface to-10, a head wind up to 6-8 m/s with rushes to 13-15 m/s, limited visibility because of low overcast, night-time, rainfall in the form of snow or a rain.

At the time of problem definition in a model range of INITI LLC there was no BVS satisfying to these characteristics — Andrey Uchamprin, the director of business development told. — However we conducted a number of researches and calculations on the basis of which the prototype of BVS capable to carry out similar tasks was created. Separately it should be noted that researches were conducted only regarding construct of BVS, regarding automation of flights the available own software products were applied to remote control, monitoring and management.

According to Ulyana Timchenko, the head of department of analytics and summary planning of Department of MTS of Directorate on purchases and KS of Gazprom Neft, tested showed that use of a pilotless multikopter — a perspective delivery mode of loads even in difficult climatic conditions. After detailed study and the detailed analysis the company will make the decision on use of this technology on the objects.