The Medical Corp. for the Israeli Defense Force is considering using unmanned vehicles to evacuate injured personnel from battle locations. The vehicles would be capable of vertical takeoffs and landings(VTOL) which would make it possible for the pilot to get into tight spaces and retrieve injured soldiers.A Helicopter would work in this situation as well but it may not be as easy to control remotely as would the proposed fan driven vehicle. They would also have to be converted to unmanned choppers so cost would most likely be a big determining factor in how to proceed.
One thing that comes to mind is how they load injured onto the vehicle. The pilot wants to stay behind where it's safe and land in a firefight, but somebody still has to be on site to load the passengers. I am sure the injured will enjoy the proposed air conditioning and live video feed to the medical facility, but I don't think they will really appreciate the amenities until they are well clear of live fire.
One of the proposed vehicles is called an "AirMule" which uses Urban Aeronautics' patented Fancraft system. This system would provide lift and propulsion though rotating air ducts. Sounds similar in design to the equipment used on Harriers and other current VTOL aircraft. One cool feature is the "six degrees of freedom independent of one another. For the first time we have a vehicle that moves sideways without the need to roll," says Rafi Yoeli, founder and CEO of Urban Aeronautics.
The AirMule has already undergone tethered tests much like those performed by the Moeller SkyCar. For insurance and safety reasons, tethers must be used.. Once the vehicle has proven it's ability to behave as predicted it can be let off the leash so to speak. The next step would be untethered flight and a fairly important test- position keeping. I wouldn't want a squirrely aircraft trying to land next to me while under fire. It might be just as likely to land on top of me, eliminating the need for a pickup.
I think they may be on to something, but only the future will tell. I am a control freak and would not feel comfortable riding in any kind of unmanned craft. A live pilot sitting in the front seat would have as much interest in surviving as the injured. I don't feel that someone flying your craft from a remote location would be as steel nerved as he or she would be in the actual craft. Of course if I was injured and being shot at, I might do just about anything.
This article was composed and submitted by resident Aviation News editor Justin Marley.
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