An avionics system for an autonomous UAV platform supporting VHF depth sounding and SAR is under development. The system is divided into navigation, communication, and data processing or logging. This design provides accurate position, velocity, acceleration, and attitude data. It supports over-the- horizon communication via an Iridium satellite link. The data collected by this system will allow for motion effects of the UAV to be compensated for, to enable SAR image formation.

This document describes the design, integration, and development of several of the subsystems for the Meridian Uninhabited Aircraft System (UAS) in support of ongoing Cryospheric research being performed by the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS). This includes a brief description of the design mission for the Meridian as well as descriptions of the flight control, communication, anti-icing, climate control, landing gear, payload, and power distribution systems that are proposed for the vehicle. The Meridian UAS is designed to support earth observation missions, specifically the measurement of thickness, surface topology, and basal conditions of terrestrial ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica.