Hovering Above—UAS’ Role in the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Response

The 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption marked the first time the federal government used Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to assist in an eruption response in the United States. The UAS were used to survey areas otherwise inaccessible or too hazardous for field crews or manned aircraft, collect multiple types of data, and provide 24/7 real-time situational awareness at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit and lower East Rift Zone. This video includes UAS footage from missions flown on May 21, May 27, June 8, June 13, November 7, and November 8, 2018.