Development of the Low-Altitude Maritime Survey-Sampling (LAMASS) System

In this Phase I effort, PEMDAS Technologies and Innovations, in collaboration with Aerovel,
Inc., proposes to assess the feasibility of developing a multi-mission, transdisciplinary manned
aerial platform, capable of fulfilling NOAA’s requirement to survey, map and collect on our
nation’s natural ecosystems. Combining Aerovel’s experience in UAS development with
PEMDAS’ atmospheric sensor expertise, we propose adapting proven UAS technologies with
advanced sensor development to design the Low-Altitude Maritime Survey-Sampling (LAMSS)
system, an innovative solution intended to deliver the necessary capabilities for Electro-Optical
and Infrared and full motion video maritime surveys using Automatic Identification System with
simultaneous collection of planetary boundary layer (PBL) observations to enable the
government to monitor the planet’s air and water resources in remote maritime locations and
measure its boundary layer more safely and with greater effectiveness.
As outlined in the proposal, the technical challenges primarily surround identification and
integration of viable technologies capable of meeting the stringent operational requirements
detailed in the subtopic description. An extensive review and evaluation of currently available
technologies will be conducted in design of the LAMSS system. A proof-of-concept
demonstration flight will be conducted to show the feasibility of integrating a suite of
atmospheric sensors onto the candidate platform.