BRIN Successfully Tests Alap-Alap Drone, Ready To Succeed Weather Modification Mission

Alap-alap drone trials (photo: dock. BRIN)

JAKARTA The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) successfully conducted an Alap-lap Unmanned drone or aircraft (UAV) test recently. This trial also shows quite important achievements.

BRIN Deputy Head Amarulla Octavian stated that the entire flight process went well, starting from engine preparation, takeoff, to drone landing. This trial was carried out at the Rumpin Airport, Bogor.

"In the first sortie, I declare that this trial is quite successful. The telemetry runs 100 percent, the order system to the flare lighting also works well," said Amarulla, quoted on the official BRIN website on Monday, September 29.

The Alap-lap drone used has also been modified to carry four flare tubes with lighter weight. At 10.00 WIB, the flare was successfully turned on at an altitude of 1,000 feet at a speed of 34 knots.

The test results show important technical records, namely flare smoke does not interfere with the drone engine. This success is preliminary evidence or proof of concept that the Alap-alap drone is capable of carrying out the flare lighting mission as needed.

In the future, this device is expected to support weather modification operations at a more efficient cost. Flare tube can later be replaced with a tube containing salt released at a certain height to reduce rain according to the needs of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

In addition to weather modifications, BRIN is also planning to develop this drone function for sensing missions. This will be done by bringing the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) device. The next test will focus on the ability of drones to carry SAR to detect objects from the air.

"This is the success of BRIN's research, ranging from radar transmitters, transmitters and recipients, to signal processing to produce images that can provide more accurate object configuration information," said Amarulla.