Search and rescue technology of the future: how tech is helping target recovery with new features

WAMI systems:

Wide-Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) systems, traditionally used in military operations, are now being adapted for SAR missions. Lightweight sensors mounted on airborne platforms provide real-time panoramic views of various terrains, allowing SAR teams to swiftly locate targets. WAMI systems cover large search areas quickly, enhancing response times and potentially saving countless lives. While they offer medium resolution, combining them with highresolution systems optimizes data accuracy for effective SAR operations.

AI and AR technology:

Despite concerns, AI proves beneficial in interpreting distress calls with weak signals. AI can automatically transcribe distress calls, capturing essential data such as location and missing person conditions. AR provides SAR pilots and crew with layered 3D mapping, aiding navigation over complex terrains, especially in the aftermath of disasters. AR overlays assist in identifying critical search areas, streamlining ground unit deployment.

SARSAT:

The Search and Rescue SatelliteAided Tracking (SARSAT) system, developed by NASA in 2009, has been a vital tool in SAR operations. Utilizing Distress Alerting Satellite Systems (DASS) since 2010, SARSAT relies on GPS satellites for faster and more accurate identification of distress targets worldwide. In the absence of distress beacons, multi-spectral cameras on aerial units provide real-time data, which ground command units analyze to update search grids and commands. So today, multispectral cameras on aerial units are used to scour search areas quickly. By using systems such as OPENSIGHT of FlySight, data from electro-optical, infrared, hyperspectral, radar, lidar and sonar can all be uploaded from aerial search units and then analyzed in real time by ground command units. The information collated out of this data can then go on to form the basis of revised commands or updated search grids for the ground and airborne units to action

Helmet-mounted and head-wearable displays:

Adopted from military usage, head-wearable displays (HWDs) and headsup displays (HUDs) enhance SAR operations by reducing pilot workload, particularly in adverse weather conditions. ClearVision technology further improves visibility in challenging environments, making it easier for pilots and operators to spot victims on the ground. Integrating multi-layer spectral analysis and augmented layers into these displays transforms them into powerful tools for SAR airborne units.

Miniaturization:

Advances in miniaturization allow for the integration of sophisticated technology into SAR equipment, including multi-spectral cameras, AR systems, and operational tools. These compact, user-friendly systems enhance efficiency by being easy to carry and operate. Touch screens further contribute to the practicality of miniaturized SAR technology.

The future of SAR technology:

The future of search and rescue technology lies in the continuous advancement of AI, AR, and robotics. Miniaturization influences the development of smaller and more agile SAR robots capable of reaching confined spaces. The integration of AI and AR will continue to play a pivotal role in improving coordination and efficiency in SAR operations.

FLYSIGHT – AN ADVANCED PARTNER IN SAR OPERATIONS

With turnkey solutions and enhanced software solutions ready to go straight out of the box, FlySight’s real-time augmented reality programs and its groundbreaking Mission Console system are specifically designed for airborne operators.

Overlaying multiple high-resolution video and augmented reality layers, Mission Console increases the situational and geospatial awareness of pilots and operators, relaying their exact location and downloading real-time data directly to command centers. Operational monitoring can be done, and commands based on up-to-the-minute data can then be relayed to both the aerial and ground-based units, making SAR operations more streamlined.

We know that lives are on the line. So, the FlySight technology is developed to the highest operational standards for civilian, law enforcement, military, and SAR operations. Find out more by contacting FlySight direct and discover how FlySight is advancing the future of search and rescue technology.