Based on the successful acquisition of Ravens, the US Army has recently agreed to provide the U.S. Geological Survey’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Office access to over 21 Honeywell T-Hawks.
These smaller and more compact UAS will enhance the capabilities of the office by providing a Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S) System with hover, persistent stare, and vertical launch/land capabilities. The systems are currently being used to monitor the radiation levels being emitted from the Japanese Nuclear Power facilities.
Potential Applications include: Observing wildfire behaviour, Verification- Validation of camera calibration test sites, Archaeological Site (cliff art) Mapping, Small area photogrammetric projects, Damage assessments, Dam Inspections, and Monitoring Volcanic Activity.
Source: Web Site