‘UAVs for help in disasters next big idea in aviation’

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for civilian applications is the next big thing in the aviation world. Many countries are putting together ru...

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for civilian applications is the next big thing in the aviation world. Many countries are putting together rules and regulations before they can be actually used for reconnaissance and monitoring in times of calamities.

‘‘Nations with design and manufacturing capability for UAVs are developing design standards. It will take three to five years before they pave way for the operation of UAVs for civilian use,’’ Jaya Ambali, principal propulsion engineer who works at the Manufacturing, Certification and New Technologies office of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (ACASA) told The Indian Express.

‘‘Disaster monitoring, earthquakes, floods, fire-fighting, communication and commercial surveys like power line inspection especially in inhospitable terrains are the areas of interest,’’ he said.

Story continues below this ad

A UAV can observe from a higher altitude than a helicopter, is faster off the ground and can send real-time video images. ‘‘With UAVs, rescue teams can be sent to the right place at the right time. It can also fly in mild bad weather unlike choppers and gain valuable time in helping survivors,’’ Ambali said.

Ambali added these crafts were also economically feasible as they did not need pilots and trained personnel. ‘‘In case of a wild fire, it can be sent to pinpoint the location of the survivors. The present technology is a proven one for military use. UAVs have a definite civilian application but the problem is that civilian areas are not conflict areas and there are laws to be followed,’’ he said.