Tokyo, December 26, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd (TYO:) (MHI), in cooperation with East Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO EAST), recently conducted a demonstration test to examine the highway condition of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on the Joban Expressway, operated by NEXCO, during an overnight road closure. Tests confirmed the effectiveness of using drones to patrol highways instead of traditional patrol cars.
The demonstration test was conducted on a 10.2 km section of the Joban Expressway between Okuma and Nami interchanges using a small single-rotor UAV currently under development by MHI's Commercial Aviation Systems segment. The test confirmed that the drone is capable of flying at night automatically at a speed of 50 to 60 km/h stably on the highway, and that the on-board camera can recognize road surface conditions and falling objects on the highway at night. Future demonstration tests of automatic AI-based recognition of falling objects and simultaneous operation of multiple drones are planned. The specifications of this drone for highway testing are given below.
Going forward, MHI will continue to contribute to achieving a safe and comfortable society by solving various problems associated with drones.
Specifications of the small motor type drone
- Single rotor type takes into account wind resistance (wind speed 20 m/s).
- Driven by gasoline engine
- Dimensions: approx. 2m x 0.5m x 0.9m (L x W x H)
- Flight duration: up to two hours
- Air speed: cruising speed 80 km/h (max. 130 km/h)
- Payload: 7 kg (including fuel)
Additional equipment for pilot testing
- Visible light + infrared (IR) camera to monitor road conditions
- Lights to illuminate the road surface, for night flying
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is one of the world's leading industrial groups, covering the fields of energy, intelligent infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defence. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help achieve a carbon neutral world, improve quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our thoughts and stories at spectra.mhi.com.
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