Airborne Response, UgCS Enhance Drone Search-and-Rescue Software

SPH Engineering / UgCS, a provider of mission planning software for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), recently teamed up with unmanned public safety and disaster response company Airborne Response to develop a comprehensive search capability for drones.

According to the partners, the software enhancements will allow remote pilots to more effectively conduct search-and-rescue operations using the UgCS platform.

The new features will provide users with a variety of quickly customizable search patterns, such as the “expanding square” and “creeping line,” which can be deployed in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Based on the flight altitude input by the operator, the UgCS software will automatically calculate key variables such as the course heading and track spacing necessary to provide the prescribed coverage area for a search target.

“As first responders, we are trained to develop an emergency search plan using time-tested and proven tactics,” says Tom “Oaty” Oatmeyer, chief pilot of Airborne Response. “The new enhancements to the UgCS mission planning software will allow remote pilots at every skill level to quickly plan and implement a professional search mission with a UAS.”

Oatmeyer, which has 28 years of experience piloting helicopters for both the U.S. Air Force and Florida’s Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, worked with the UgCS development team to bring the new features to fruition. As an aircraft commander, Oatmeyer has been credited with saving over 150 lives during emergency and disaster response operations, says Airborne Response.

“The new UgCS search feature is designed to make searching for a target with a drone as simple and reliable as possible,” explains Janis Kuze, sales director of SPH Engineering. “We look forward to continue working with the Airborne Response team to further enhance the software capabilities and implement additional search-pattern features.”

Additionally, Airborne Response and UgCS have reached an agreement for Airborne Response to offer the UgCS mission planning software and associated training to public safety and emergency response professionals throughout the U.S.

“When lives are on the line, every second counts,” adds Oatmeyer. “UgCS now represents another valuable link in the UAS technology chain to enhance the public safety mission.”