China will conduct the first large-scale unmanned aerial vehicle observations of the ocean and icebergs in Antarctica, a researcher involved with the project said Tuesday.

Xie Chengyin, from the robot research institute of Beihang University, said the civilian plane is equipped with aerial cameras, infrared radiometers and infrared probes. The drone will conduct observations over Prydz Bay near China's Zhongshan research station, he said.

Xie, who is traveling with the Xuelong icebreaker during China's 26th Antarctic expedition, said the drone will observe an area of 1,600 square km near Zhongshan station, and produce key data about the atmosphere, ocean and icebergs.

The dragonfly-like plane known as Xueyan (Snow Swallow) is made of fiberglass fiber reinforced plastic and weighs 15 kg. It can carry 10 kg of research equipment and fly continuously for about two hours.

Xie said Chinese scientists conducted a small-scale unmanned plane experiment in the region during China's 24th Antarctic expedition.

(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2009)