Airborne electromagnetic survey system with aerodynamic frame segments; and methods of surveying using such

Abstract

An airborne electromagnetic survey system for geophysical prospecting comprising: a frame with a frame front section opposite a frame tail section, the frame configured to be lifted and towed by an aircraft via a tow arrangement during survey operation, the frame configured to support a transmitter coil configured to transmit an magnetic moment, wherein the frame comprises multiple frame segments, at least one of the frame segments comprising a first connection and a second connection for connecting to another one of the frame segments, a structural support providing a rigid structure between the first and second connections, and a frame segment surface providing the frame segment with an aerodynamic profile, wherein the aerodynamic profile is configured to provide aerodynamic properties to the frame, and wherein when the frame is towed by the aircraft, the frame has substantially a fixed frame shape and is substantially in a fixed operational orientation.

1 . An airborne electromagnetic survey system configured for geophysical prospecting comprising:
 a frame with a frame front section opposite a frame tail section, the frame configured to be lifted and towed by an aircraft via a tow arrangement during survey operation in air in a flight direction and with a flight speed, the frame configured to support a transmitter coil that is configured to transmit an magnetic moment for geophysical prospecting,   
       wherein the frame comprises multiple frame segments, at least one of the frame segments comprising
 a first connection and a second connection for connecting to another one of the frame segments, 
 a structural support providing a rigid structure between the first connection and the second connection, and 
 a frame segment surface providing the frame segment with an aerodynamic profile, wherein the aerodynamic profile is configured to provide aerodynamic properties to the frame, and wherein when the frame is towed by the aircraft via the tow arrangement during the survey operation in the flight direction, the frame has substantially a fixed frame shape and is substantially in a fixed operational orientation.