These small uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) were developed for war and were used for spying. Not anymore--engineers have turned these spyplanes into some sort of electric courier pigeons for the developing world. These planes are now used to carry medical samples to laboratories for testing or to carry medications, such as anti-venom, to stricken victims that could otherwise be reached via foot a tad too long for an efficient rescue.
The planes carry their loads to specified places via GPS or, if the distance is quite short, it could be controlled from the ground. Two planes are used for the pilot project, with the larger of the two able to carry 500 grams of load, enough to carry two pouches of blood for emergency transfusion or many blood samples for testing. Using these planes, patients are able to receive their lab test results within a day even if they live in remote areas.
Check out the robotic spyplanes in action on video after the jump.
Posted by:
ESTREETBAND September 17, 2008 12:24 PM
I think this is just too cool!!!I have been flying model airplanes for over 40 years.I am glad to see that radio control has advanced to the point of them being something other than a mechanical addiction.And belive me,the first time you fly an R/C plane (as opposed to a control-line plane)you will want to go right out and throw five or six hundred dollars down for your own.Football? Screw that!! I'm a pilot!!!!!
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September 17, 2008 12:24 PM
I think this is just too cool!!!I have been flying model airplanes for over 40 years.I am glad to see that radio control has advanced to the point of them being something other than a mechanical addiction.And belive me,the first time you fly an R/C plane (as opposed to a control-line plane)you will want to go right out and throw five or six hundred dollars down for your own.Football? Screw that!! I'm a pilot!!!!!