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Methane is a very effective greenhouse gas, but the role of the Polar Regions in the methane budget and its sources there is subject to discussion. The sparse surface network data and satellite data indicate significant source regions above the polar oceans. The remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) of quadrocopter type ALICE was developed at the Technische Universität Braunschweig for taking air samples and high resolution meteorological data to study methane isotopic composition related to different polar atmospheric boundary layer conditions above sea ice and open water. The quadrocopter ALICE has a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg and a large payload capacity of 18 kg, including batteries. The thrust to weight ratio is high compared to other RPAS to operate in gusty wind speeds up to 70 km h-1. The scientific subsystem consists of different meteorological sensors and twelve 100 ml glass bottles for air sampling. Profiles with high resolution meteorological data and selective air samples at operator selected altitudes up to 1000 m can be obtained. A parachute system was embedded to avoid high energy impact risks in case of major malfunctions. The initially tested prototype system was field operated for the first time during Polarstern cruise PS109 (ARK-XXXI/4), so-called GRISO (Greenland ice sheet/ocean interaction) from 12th September until 14th October 2017. During this proof of concept expedition the safe shipborne operation and system functionality in harsh polar environment was demonstrated successfully. In this presentation, the design of the RPAS and the scientific payload will be introduced and its functionality discussed, based on test flights and campaign flight results. The approaches for the next improvements will be outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]