Drones to Supercharge HM Coastguard’s Search and Rescue Ops
Next-gen tech might soon revolutionise Her Majesty’s Coastguard missions. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is teaming up with the Civil Aviation Authority to test remotely piloted aircraft for tough search and rescue (SAR) scenarios.
Hermes 900 Test Flights Take Off
Trials using Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 drone took place this month at West Wales Airport near Aberporth. Although not yet active in operational missions, the drone flew in HM Coastguard colours as part of efforts to evaluate its future potential.
The MCA is also working with Bristow Helicopters in North Wales, testing similar drones in simulated and real-time SAR roles. Together, these tests aim to find how unmanned aircraft can boost rescue work and coastal safety.
Drones Could Do More Than Rescue
Besides saving lives, remotely piloted aircraft may help fight pollution by providing critical live video and images during incidents. The drones could offer a fast, flexible eye in the sky for monitoring and control.
Looking Ahead: Routine Drone Flights on the Horizon
A detailed report on the trials will drop at the end of 2024, pinpointing what’s needed for regular Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights in UK airspace. The MCA plans to share its findings with government bodies to push drone search and rescue further into the future.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps: “Drones have the potential to help us in so many aspects of our lives. From search and rescue missions to delivering critical medicines to places like the Isle of Wight – we’re exploring how this new technology could revolutionise our emergency responses. I’m proud to see the UK lead the way in trialling these technologies, which could save many more lives.”
HM Coastguard Director Claire Hughes: “We continue to do all we can to use existing technology as well as look to the future in our ongoing work of saving lives at sea. Remotely piloted aircraft continue to be a big part of that work both to potentially save lives in search and rescue and protect our beautiful coastlines from the worst effects of pollution.”
