On this day in 2020, the Rhyl Journal reported that the UK's first trials of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for search and rescue were being conducted at Caernarfon.
Bristow, in partnership with the Schiebel Group, was operating the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 system from Caernarfon Airport.
The aim was to evaluate the system's capabilities for lifesaving search and rescue roles, in both maritime and land environments.
The trial complemented the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's work to develop regulations for UAV operations beyond visual line of sight (where the pilot cannot see the aircraft) and in unsegregated airspace.
Caernarfon Airport had facilitated access to airspace for the tests to be undertaken.
READ MORE: New Rhyl takeaway opens with first-day free food giveaway
Roy Steptoe, managing director at Caernarfon Airport, said at the time: "Without doubt unmanned aircraft are the way of the future.
"I am pleased to assist Bristow in these trials, which will allow them to look at the potential to integrate the technology safely into operations in and around a busy airport where private and commercial air traffic is present."
With its mountainous and maritime features, Caernarfon was considered, in the words of this paper at the time, as an "ideal location" to incorporate unmanned aircraft technology into a complex airspace environment.
Share