Wingcopter’s long-range Wingcopter 198 drone will be deployed for aerial surveying in Japan under a new collaboration between ITOCHU Corporation, PASCO Corporation, and YellowScan Japan Co., Ltd. The partners have signed an MOU to apply the platform to disaster management, terrain mapping, and post-event restoration tasks.
The Wingcopter 198 combines vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability with fixed-wing flight efficiency, enabling extended-range operations across complex terrain. Japan’s mountainous and hilly landscapes, which cover roughly 70 percent of the country, make traditional crewed surveys risky and difficult. The use of drone-based surveying provides safer and more efficient data collection for hazard mapping, ground deformation monitoring, and terrain analysis.
Integrating the Wingcopter 198 with Advanced LiDAR
Under the agreement, YellowScan Japan’s VOYAGER LiDAR scanner will be integrated with the Wingcopter 198. Together, the system can perform large-scale mapping missions previously achievable only by manned aircraft. A single 45-minute flight can cover over 1,000 hectares, simultaneously collecting LiDAR and RGB imagery to produce high-density, high-precision geospatial data.
“Japan’s challenging terrain and exposure to natural disasters require the most reliable and advanced surveying technologies available. We are honored to work alongside ITOCHU, PASCO, and YellowScan – all recognized leaders in their respective fields – to combine our expertise and develop the best possible aerial LiDAR solution for this demanding task.”, said Steffen Schubkegel, Senior Key Account Manager at Wingcopter.
Masaharu Sato, Deputy General Manager, Aerospace Department at ITOCHU Corporation, said “By equipping the Wingcopter 198 with the industry-leading “VOYAGER” laser scanner, this collaboration overcomes the range and coverage limitations of traditional multi-copters. This solution is specifically designed to meet Japan’s complex terrain and disaster mitigation requirements. Our goal is to foster innovation that automates surveying workflows and reduces labor requirements, ensuring swifter responses to natural disasters and minimizing associated risks.”
Takashi Shinazawa, Director & Senior Executive Officer Research & Development, Technology Strategy & Intellectual Property at PASCO Corporation, said, “Based on PASCO’s more than 70 years of experience and expertise in aerial surveying since its founding, this POC encompassed survey planning, operational design, data acquisition, and evaluation. Going forward, we will continue to work in close collaboration with Wingcopter GmbH and ITOCHU Corporation to address a wide range of societal challenges through the utilization of geospatial information.”
More information is available from Wingcopter’s website.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
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