A team of mobile connectivity and drone specialists have demonstrated the use of 5G drones as a moving connectivity bubble which could transform mountain search and rescue missions.

Taking place near Tarfside in Angus, the demonstrations brought together JET Connectivity’s pop-up 5G technology with an aerial drone to form a self-deploying 5G network.

Traditionally, mountain search and rescue is reliant on teams hiking the mountains and glens, or the assistance of helicopters for wider area searchers. These two options are either time-consuming or expensive.

Hillside and mountain locations also often suffer from poor phone signal, meaning rescue teams cannot communicate or share location or video information while working to save lives.

The 5G drone network however can be set up in minutes in an emergency. One or multiple drones can then search a wide area, whilst streaming video and infrared footage back to the controller over the 5G network which has been created by the drones.

JET Connectivity’s 5G base station in a box is lightweight and low power, so it can be carried by the drone and either deployed remotely on the ground or kept in flight.

The demonstrations at Tarfside concludes a search and development pathfinder project, as part of the Tay5G Project under the Tay Cities Region Deal.

Funded by the Scottish government, the project has been led by JET Connectivity, supported by DTLX who provided the drone approvals and flights, as well as Abertay University and THE Scotland 5G Centre.

Another demonstration is planned in June for an offshore, beyond visual line of sight drone demonstration, utilising the pop-up 5G capability at sea as a floating networking.

This can enable increased safety to people working offshore by transforming skilled jobs to the safety of a control room with remote surveying, inspections, and maintenance.

Speaking on the work that’s been done and the demonstrations, James Thomas, CEO at JET Connectivity, said: “It has been fantastic to see the integration of our 5G technology in an aerial drone coming to life.

“Seeing the difference this could make to search and rescue missions is really exciting, and I hope it can be used to make the work of the fantastic search and rescue teams easier as they continue to save lives.

“Providing connectivity for safety has always been at the heart of JET’s vision, and I am so excited to see this come to life in new ways with the fantastic work of our engineering and networks teams.

“There are so many other opportunities to use this solution now the technology has been developed, such as disaster recovery, and we are delighted to be a part of making a difference.”

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Kirsty Scott, senior business engagement manager at The Scotland 5G Centre also, commented: “The Centre is excited to contribute technically to support to this project, and also arrange access to our 5G test bed.

“Using mobile 5G private networks, we’re demonstrating the endless possibilities and flexibility of this technology, without being bound by geography.”

“It’s a game-changer for search and rescue teams, revolutionising mountain rescue efforts as we know them,” added Scott.

Photo Credit: Alan Richardson