Atlas Dynamics’ AtlasPRO drone has been selected by the NPAID (Norwegian People’s Aid) Mid-Troms Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer unit, due to its ability to operate under extreme conditions.
The NPAID Mid-Troms SAR unit operates in northern Norway, providing first response and lifesaving capabilities in extreme Arctic environments. The unit covers a region of Arctic Norway famous for its sparsely populated mountain ranges and fjords, and works to enhance the safety of tourists in the region, particularly as adventure tourism continues to increase.
The professional task force continually seeks to optimize its SAR operations, and is an eager early adopter of technologies such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The AtlasPRO is an excellent force multiplier for first responders on the ground, enabling consistent lifesaving operations in extreme conditions such as Arctic weather scenarios.
The AtlasPRO drone can operate autonomously, enabling the operator to focus solely on search and rescue duties. Its advanced mesh communication capabilities allow several drones to be operated in tandem from one ground control station, allowing hours of consistent BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) surveillance and situational awareness. Sensor outputs can be multi-streamed to various smart devices on the ground.
Kenneth Brattli Molund, unit leader and UAS project SAR technology integration manager at NPAID Mid-Troms, commented: “Working on lifesaving operations in extreme environments means that every minute counts. Our volunteers require a unique set of skills, but also the best working tools that can deliver fast and accurate results through every mission and challenge, especially during cold temperatures and the winter darkness period, at remote sites and off-grid no-connectivity locations. We have chosen the AtlasPRO for its ability to withstand and deliver unique sensor setups and operate in harsh conditions, and also due to Atlas’ capabilities as a technology design-house, that allow us to dream bigger and co-design better, faster and safer SAR solutions.”
Ivan Tolchinsky, founder and CEO of Atlas, stated: “We are proud that our technology is changing SAR paradigms and assisting NPAID Mid-Troms’ professional volunteers in these lifesaving operations. By enabling a robust drone that provides consistent data in every terrain or weather condition, the AtlasPRO fulfills our company vision to save lives.”
