The idea behind WaterRescueDrones project

The idea behind WaterRescueDrones project 

A SAR, SearchAndRescue mission consists of two main activities. Search and Rescue..
While at rescue you know where a person or object is located and the task is to get it back the search is most of the times the most time and effort consuming part.

Often there is just a hint in which area someone/something is located. In the sea drift and wind is playing a big role. The longer a search takes the more an object can float away from it's initial location.

Therefore being able to cover a wide area within a reasonable short time is key in a search mission.
Being airborne gives several advantages:

  1. You see more (wider area) compared to from a small boat where u see just see ~30m wide.
  2. You can cover a bigger area within same time because of higher travel speed.
  3. It's less risky for the search personnel. Because even in the wadden sea there are waves with several meter height possible.
The search could be done with a helicopter. But a drone is much more cost effective because of lower operational costs.

Promotional video WaterRescueDrones by NXP Semiconductors Germany GmbH

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