Summary of phone interview with the Carova, North Carolina Fire Department Representative on 10/25/2016.
Back story:
The inspection of floating rafts and small crafts off the shore that are floating by are a relatively frequent occurrence. So much so, that they have a two man team who will drive twenty minutes, launch the jet-ski and brave the waves and sometimes cold waters to visually inspect the vessel. It costs money for the gas and the time of the men. Also, whenever you go out into the ocean a distance of more than 100 yards, there is danger to the men as well.
The area of Carova, NC is roughly 3 miles wide and 16 miles long and has water on both sides. They wish to be able to reach at least 1/2 mile out into the sound on one side and 1/2 mile out into the ocean on the other.
With that in mind, the drone needs to be able to carry a life preserver weighing 1.6 pounds out to a person or a craft and drop it close enough that they get it. Many times there is not twenty minutes time to wait for the jet ski team to arrive. The primary danger to swimmers is the rip currents that, once caught in, will carry the swimmer far off shore. Speed is a key factor in the race to save a person trapped in a rip current. A drone can be in the air in just a few minutes, worst case, and can quickly fly and deliver a lifesaving flotation device.
Requirements:
- Fly in a stiff headwind that is typical in a beach setting. Wind speeds on a clear day can be 20-30 mph.
- Carry around 5 pounds. Desire to carry 2 life preservers, if possible, and release one at a time. Then maybe, retrieve a misplaced drop and try again.
- Have a video camera that can show real time video. The higher the quality the better, and color.
- Water-proof and buoyant body in case of a failure at sea.
- Highly visible with some type of bright lighting.
- Enough flight time to cover 1/2 mile or 9 football fields of distance out to sea.
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