WASHINGTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Toyota Motor ( TM ) said

on Tuesday it is exploring the development of a small drone

system primarily to support vehicle operations on unpaved roads

and trails.

The Japanese automaker said in a filing with the Federal

Aviation Administration that the potential system aims to boost

situational awareness in places where it is unsafe to exit the

vehicle.

"By providing the driver with views of the local

environment, including potential hazards around and underneath

the vehicle, drivers can plan safer routes and improve vehicle

operations," the Toyota ( TM ) letter said, saying most drone flights

would occur close to the vehicle. "At times, operators may fly a

drone above the treeline to capture videos used to orient

themselves or capture the terrain."

In August, the U.S. Transportation Department proposed new

rules to speed deployment of drones beyond the visual line of

sight of operators, a key change needed to advance commercial

uses like package deliveries.

Toyota ( TM ) submitted comments on the USDOT drone proposal citing

its previously unreported ongoing project.

The company has not committed to implementing the drone

system.

"Toyota ( TM ) is constantly working on new technologies in various

fields, we do not have any product plans to announce at this

time," a spokesperson said.

USDOT said eliminating some requirements "will significantly

expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like:

manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the

movement of products including lifesaving medications."