Canada’s Advanced Tactical Training Search & Rescue Division (ATTSAR) is using drones from SkyX Systems for long-range search missions.

​UAS have proven to be extremely beneficial for search and rescue missions, as a recent announcement cited by ATTSAR and SkyX Systems says that UAS-operated missions have led to 133 people being rescued across the world from 2017 through the first half of 2018.

Quadcopter UAS are typically used for these missions, but according to ATTSAR and SkyX Systems, these UAS have limitations such as endurance, the range that they can operate without a controller, and the weather conditions that they can operate in.

SkyX says that its SkyOne UAS solves a lot of these issues, as it has been engineered with a range of at least 65 miles, endurance up to an hour and a half, and a minimum speed of 40 miles per hour, with a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour.

The UAS also has autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, and the ability to function effectively in a variety of temperatures. Additionally, the SkyX flight system can be programmed and piloted remotely, which is ideal for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, and eliminates the need for a pilot to be onsite to control the UAS.

“It's paramount that we use the latest technology to aid our efforts, which is why we've chosen to work with SkyX. The longer flight duration enables us to conduct missions in Southern Ontario over difficult terrain, along riverbeds, or long beachfronts,” explains William Bolton, senior trainer, Advanced Training in Search and Rescue, ATTSAR.

“Additionally, SkyX BVLOS capabilities and ability to operate in various weather conditions – all of which set SkyX apart from other solutions – provides us comfort in knowing that we're partnering with best-in-class companies to maximize our chances of finding people quickly and safely.”