SkyTEM High Power Systems – A New Generation of Airborne TEM Transmitters

SkyTEM Surveys has released a new generation of high power airborne TEM systems in 2017. Specifically, the new systems are the SkyTEM306HP and SkyTEM312HP high power variants, which deliver twice the magnetic dipole moment of regular SkyTEM systems. The high power variants of the two systems are capable of generating magnetic dipole moments of ∼500,000 Am2 and ∼1,000,000 Am2 respectively. A further advantage is that the high power systems have significantly lower transmitter loop self-inductance than comparable traditional SkyTEM systems. This allows for faster low moment current turnoff, which results in improved early time data and associated near-surface resolution.

The SkyTEM high power systems are mounted on an improved version of the compact SkyTEM 300 series frame. While the traditional SkyTEM 300 series frame is both rigid and aerodynamic, the newer frame is lighter due to improvements in the frame production process, which incorporates even stiffer and lighter materials. The compact, light and aerodynamic frame is key for maintaining sufficient maneuverability in challenging topographies.

We demonstrate the real-life performance of the high power systems, including measured low- and high moment waveforms, high altitude noise and bias characteristics as well as calibration data from the Danish national test site.