Defence contractors have started utilising small drone aircraft in order to survey Royal Navy ships, starting with Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond at Portsmouth Naval Base.

Small camera equipped drones use high-definition imagery to assess the material state of the vessel and remove the need for scaffolding and cherry-pickers meaning surveys can be carried out in hours rather than days and with fewer people.

Diamond’s commanding officer, Commander Marcus Hember, said:

“I am delighted Diamond could assist in such an important trial. The Royal Navy is an advanced high-tech service and the ability to reduce time and cost during these maintenance periods, as well as allowing ships to diagnose their own defects at sea, will enhance the operational capability and flexibility of the navy deployed worldwide.”

The drone was trialled with HMS Diamond in Portsmouth
The drone was trialled with HMS Diamond in Portsmouth
Drone flying in front of HMS Diamond nameplate
Drones have a wide range of uses in non-combat applications.

 

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Teresa Maycock
8 years ago

How about the Hythe canal rowing boats I know there busy but I’m sure they have spares.

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