Search and Rescue missions could get a boost through new technology from the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Called the Cellular Airborne Sensors for Search and Rescue system, it is made to find and communicate with your cellphone, helping search and rescue members get an exact location to come and find you.
The Department of National Defence says in a situation where you’re reported overdue or are believed to be in distress, if you have a turned-on phone, an aircraft with the system can talk to you, helping them confirm your condition and distress level.
They say so far, the system has been used successfully earlier this year in search and rescue missions, including two incidents where a boat of five people was overdue and when two hunters equipped with a boat was also overdue.
Currently the system’s equipped to the CC-130H Hercules, an aircraft type that’s been flown from three bases across Canada, with 19 Wing Comox being one of them.
They add that they hope this system can help locate people more quickly and improve search outcomes.
