Alaska Telecom Deploys Innovative All-Weather DJI Drone Dock for Remote Tower Inspections

In a groundbreaking move for remote infrastructure maintenance, the Cordova Telecom Cooperative (CTC) has partnered with Alaska Remote Imaging (ARI) to test a year-round Drone Inspection system at their Crater Lake site, according to the Cordova Times.

Advanced Drone System Built for Harsh Conditions

The innovative system centers around a DJI Enterprise Dock 2 that’s been specially modified through collaboration with local fabricators at Peterson Welding to handle Alaska’s extreme weather conditions. This isn’t your typical drone setup – it’s a robust system designed to work in temperatures as low as -13°F and includes a heated dock with sophisticated environmental monitoring. The dock comes equipped with an array of sensors that track wind speed, rainfall, temperature, and humidity, ensuring operators always know the exact conditions at the site. For added protection, the system includes both lightning protection and comprehensive security features.

The commercial drone housed within the dock is equally impressive, boasting a flight time of 50 minutes and an operational radius of 6.2 miles. It’s equipped with advanced features including wide-angle cameras, lens defogging capabilities, crystal-clear 4K video resolution, and infrared thermal imaging. The drone also incorporates built-in obstacle detection, real-time livestreaming, and reliable return-to-home capabilities.

Reducing Helicopter Dependencies

The new system represents a significant shift in how CTC manages its remote infrastructure.

“Having the ability to inspect our towers, cabling, and outside infrastructure prior to visiting a site for regular maintenance or support incidents improves our ability to better prepare for the site visit and ensure we have the right materials on hand when we get there,” explains Jesse Carter, CTC’s remote site foreman.

This approach significantly reduces the need for costly helicopter visits to remote sites.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations

ARI has taken a crucial step by filing for a site-specific FAA Partie 107 Waiver to enable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This authorization will allow for commercial drone operations around tower sites without requiring a pilot’s physical presence, while maintaining proximity to the tower structure. A separate waiver is being pursued to cover first responder operations beyond the immediate tower site area.

Expanding Uses for Public Safety

The system’s capabilities extend well beyond infrastructure inspection. Stephen Phillips, CTC’s chief technology officer, emphasizes the broader potential:

“We can also leverage these drones to assist our local First Responders in Search and Rescue operations when the event is near one of our remote sites, which is amazing.”

The thermal imaging capabilities could revolutionize how search and rescue operations are conducted in the region. Looking ahead, Matt Gutacker, managing principal of ARI, suggests these drones could deliver critical supplies like inflatable life vests, communication equipment, climbing harnesses, warm gear, and medical supplies to people in distress, noting that current consumer market drones can carry up to 80 pounds.

DroneXL’s Take

This implementation of the DJI Enterprise Dock 2 represents a significant milestone in BVLOS drone operations. While many organizations are still testing drone docks in controlled environments, CTC is pushing the boundaries by deploying this technology in one of North America’s most challenging climates. This innovative approach to combining infrastructure inspection with emergency response capabilities could serve as a model for remote telecommunications providers worldwide. The success of this pilot program through the winter months could pave the way for broader deployment across CTC’s network of 14 off-grid remote sites.

What are your thoughts on deploying automated drone systems in such extreme conditions? Share your perspective in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Beckett.