The Israeli company Elbit Systems has developed for the tactical reconnaissance UAV Hermes 900 an ejection system for inflatable liferafts. EDNews.net reports citing Bulgarian Military News.

Drones can be very useful in finding and saving people at sea after any accident. Such devices are able to stay in the air longer than manned aircraft and helicopters. In addition, reconnaissance drones are usually equipped with equipment that quickly detects people on water or on land.

According to Elbit Systems, the Hermes 900 is equipped with reconnaissance systems that can quickly locate survivors on the water. A radar station, a thermal imager and a high-resolution optical-electronic system are installed on the device.

The raft dumping system consists of four pylons installed two in a row under the left and right wing consoles. One inflatable raft is attached to each pylon, each of which can be reset at the command of the operator. When hit the water, rafts are automatically inflated. The minimum raft discharge height is 180 meters.

According to the developers, they have already transferred one Hermes 900 with a raft dumping system to a customer in Southeast Asia. In addition, Elbit Systems intends to participate in a tender by the UK Maritime Safety and Coast Guard Agency SAR-2G for the supply of various classes of UAVs for search and rescue operations.

In February 2020, the American company UAVOS introduced the Robinson R-22 light two-seat helicopter converted into a cargo drone. This device is designed both for the delivery of goods, and for use in search and rescue and humanitarian operations.