Penza, 25 April 2014. PenzaNews. Fire situation monitoring in Penza region will involve quadcopters, unmanned aerial vehicles with the capabilities for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL UAVs). The presentation of such device purchased by regional authorities took place by the regional Department of Forestry hall on Friday, April 25.

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The flying route for the UAV can be set before the flight using GLONASS global positioning system, or manually using a joystick manipulator.

During the flight, the quadcopter may record photo or video material, as well as analyze air contents for traces of smoke and pollutants.

The live video stream can be transmitted to the computer workstation to swiftly react to the located fire sources in forest areas.

“Our dream came true. This is a vital device for our department: first of all, to monitor the fire situation; next, to catch lawbreakers like poachers and those who illegally gather sand and other natural resources,” pointed out Nikolai Argatkin, Minister of Forestry and Hunting Sector and Natural Resources Management for Penza region.

The device has a carrying capacity of 1.5 kg, which lets it be equipped with additional research accessories.

He also expressed his readiness to allow the use of the device for security services for the purposes of locating and apprehending law-breakers.

Nikolai Argatkin clarified that the UAV was custom-built for the Department.

“Three or four such devices will be required for effective monitoring of the whole region,” he added.