Posted on 02/27/2014 9:05:09 AM PST by smokingfrog
Israeli startup Urban Aeronautics is testing a flying ambulance drone they hope to release before 2020, Business Insider reports. The vehicle, which is called the AirMule, would be used to perform rescues in places like dense urban environments, where helicopter maneuvering is difficult. The AirMule is directed and controlled remotely and it can fly unpiloted with up to 880 pounds of cargo.
Its primary purpose is to assist with rescues during military operations: A much quieter, remotely-piloted aircraft like this would be a game changer for military personnel. Medical evacuations for wounded troops have greatly improved since the introduction of the helicopter, but pilots still must be weary of enemy fire. That won't be the case with a pilot controlling the aircraft far from the danger.
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
They beat me to it by “that much”.
I’ve been playing around with the idea of a drone being used to deliver medical supplies or escape supplies (i.e. ropes) to people trapped on mountains (or injured in inaccessible spots). It could also delivery supplies to isolated firefighters on mountains and in valleys, etc. These would be the smaller US drones now available, but the Israeli model takes this concept to a much higher and badly needed level.
Leave it up to the Israelis to be among the first to work on this approach. These guys aren’t smoking marijuana in Colorado. They are thinking fast on the frontlines of technology and human welfare.
And Obama, Hagel and Kerry dislike them because they are successful.
Don’t give up on your idea. I’m sure that a smaller and/or cheaper version would be something that emergency rescue folks might be interested in. $2.5 million for an airmule is a lot of money! It might be useful for controlling hazmat situations as well.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.