Most prestigious ski resorts have a helicopter on stand-by, but the flying time costing 2000 € per hour can be inconvenient. However and assuming the weather is favourable it remains the most effective search and rescue tool in the mountains. A low cost solution, the drone, could make a huge step forward and revolutionize the search and rescue missions in harsh conditions.
The Grenoble based company Delta Drone sees mountain search and rescue as a growth market and has adapted their Delta-Y for this environment. The drone has a wireless connected camera with infrared option for cloud, fog and night flying. The images are analyzed by a computer in real time for shapes, colours and changes in density. The Drone can also carry equipment to detect avalanche transceivers.
To fly in the thin mountain air the company had developed longer rotor blades. The aircraft can fly to 3500 meters altitude, operate in temperatures from -30°C to +45°C and wind speeds to 125 km/h. The cost is between 2,500 to 5,000 depending on the configuration.
In ski resorts the drone could also be used to patrol the slopes after they are closed to make sure no skiers are left on the mountain, besides from search and rescue operations. Drones are also able fly in formation, covering a wide area in a few minutes, the drones communicate with each other directly. More mundane operations such as inspecting lift infrastructure are also possible.
Delta Drone has 5 patents and delivered 190 drones in 2012.
Příspěvek Drones to the rescue of Avalanche Victims pochází z MENSURO