New Mexico State to Perform UAS Dam Inspection

elephantbutteThe Bureau of Reclamation has selected New Mexico State University to perform the first Reclamation dam inspection using an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). New Mexico’s team will perform research at Elephant Butte Dam in New Mexico, a project estimated at $35,000 that the Bureau will fund.

The New Mexico team will work with Reclamation staff to develop the concept of operations, address safety requirements, select the UAS and appropriate sensors, validate flight procedures and perform the inspection. The flight is expected to take place in the next couple of months. Continue reading