Atlas Dynamics aircraft selected to assist rescuers in fjords and glaciers in Norway • Skimmers are able to transmit information in real time to rescue forces
Photo: Atlas Dynamics
Small and life-saving: Atlas Dynamics' Israeli skimmers will be used in rescue missions in glaciers and fjords in the Arctic Circle in Norway. The aircraft are equipped with the ability to operate in extreme cold conditions and have over the past year passed flight tests for rescue missions in arctic weather conditions, which were performed by the world's leading arctic rescue unit - NPAID.
The Israeli gliders, model AtlasPRO, will serve the Norwegian rescue unit, which consists of more than ten thousand rescuers called for urgent rescue missions. Unit members are trained in rescue in arctic expanses, characterized by jagged mountains, evergreen glaciers and deep fjords in areas with accessibility difficulties. Most of the rescue operations are of adventurous hikers who do not properly assess the route or get caught in blizzards and extreme weather, tasks that are currently implemented only by helicopters.
The aircraft are designed for reconnaissance and rescue missions in difficult conditions and have a unique aerodynamic structure that also allows them long-term flight capabilities. They are equipped with an artificial intelligence and distributed communication (MESH) system that allows them to operate as an independent skimmer swarm away from a human operator. They continuously fly over a space cell for hours, identify targets even in difficult conditions, and transmit the information in real time to the rescue forces.
Meanwhile, the skimmers will allow rescue crews to quickly scan a wide area of many miles to locate those in need and make the initial contact with them. The Israeli technology was chosen by the Norwegians after they explored many alternatives, mainly thanks to the sensor system and the ability to operate in freezing conditions.
Atlas and the Norwegian rescue organization intend to develop a number of additional products later this year that will assist in rescue operations this coming winter. The company's products operate in the fields of defense, security, and industry throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Atlas has offices in Tel Aviv, Bristol, Maryland and Riga.
