Drone test launched to support operations
Whether drones will be able to help fire departments and disaster control teams in the future has been tested in the Harz district since Thursday. The rapid deployment of the almost 1.60 meter tall drone would be a decisive advantage for rescue operations in an emergency in the often geographically difficult to access mountains and valleys in the Harz district, said the district administrator of the Harz district, Thomas Balcerowski (CDU) on Thursday - while the drone completed its first test flight.
If the test is successful by February 2024, a comprehensive drone network of up to 15 drones will be set up over the Harz district, the district administrator said.
The test drone, which is stationed in the Harz town of Elend, is to be used in the event of accidents, fires, searches for people or natural disasters. Its aerial images are relevant for the reconnaissance and assessment of current situations, it said. According to District Administrator Balcerowski, the Harz district is a good location for the pilot project. If drones can master their missions in the geography and weather conditions of the Harz region, they could do so throughout Germany.
The drone is suitable for short and medium-haul flights. It can fly for up to 45 minutes at a speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour - depending on the environmental conditions at altitudes of up to 120 meters above ground level. For its first test, the drone was flown to an accident involving hazardous goods. After four minutes, it was at the scene of the accident and provided live images from the air to assess the situation.
The successful implementation of drones in emergency situations, such as fires or natural disasters, could significantly improve environmental conservation efforts in the Harz district. In case of an environmental emergency, the drone's aerial images would be crucial for assessing the situation and planning an effective response.
Source: www.dpa.com
