New Zealand-based commercial helicopter manufacturer TGR Helicorp developed an unpiloted full-scale alpine rescue helicopter called Alpine Wasp. It can maneuver carefully and separately at altitudes up to and beyond 30,000ft. It is also capable of airlifting up to two injured men at a time using ultra-modern composite technologies. The Company is actually donating the unmanned helicopter to the Everest Rescue Trust after they test and evaluate it.
Implications - The Everest Trust wants to eventually use the Alpine Wasp as a way to help rescue people in the high altitude regions of the country Nepal. The idea is to be able to create something that would help save the lives of people who are in need while braving Mount Everest.
Unmanned Rescue Helicopter
TGR Helicorp's Alpine Wasp
Trend Themes
1. Unpiloted Rescue Technology - The development of the unpiloted Alpine Wasp helicopter for high-altitude rescues opens up opportunities for similar technology in other rescue situations.
2. Composite Materials Technology - The use of ultra-modern composite materials in the Alpine Wasp helicopter could disrupt traditional helicopter manufacturing and create opportunities for composite material suppliers.
3. Remote Rescue Operations - The ability of the Alpine Wasp helicopter to be operated remotely suggests the possibility of new rescue UAVs for use in emergency response and disaster relief scenarios.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - The Alpine Wasp helicopter demonstrates the innovative potential for unmanned aircraft in high-altitude rescue scenarios by aerospace companies seeking to improve emergency response capabilities.
2. Composite Materials - The use of composite materials in the Alpine Wasp helicopter creates opportunities for suppliers of composite materials in the traditional helicopter manufacturing industry.
3. Emergency Services - The possibility of remote rescue operations using unmanned aircraft like the Alpine Wasp helicopter suggests opportunities for innovation and new products in the emergency services industry.