Tactical Robotics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Urban Aeronautics, has successfully performed a first “mission representative” demonstration with the Cormorant aircraft for its lead customer, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The completely autonomous flight included loading of cargo, performing a pre-planned flight to a specified point of delivery and loading a medical training manikin (simulating a casualty).
A monitor supplied by the IDF’s chief surgeon transmitted vital health updates to the crews on the ground. In addition, there is a video camera for two-way communication with the “patient” during the flight.
The successful test flight showcased the Cormorant’s unique capabilities in both cargo delivery and casualty evacuation. The demonstration further validates the Cormorant’s recognition as the only unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recognized by NATO for both cargo delivery and casualty evacuation.
The aircraft is designed to exceed the standard reliability and handling qualities required of a typical, tactical UAV in order to meet the requirements to safely ferry human “cargo” back from the battlefield.
Here’s the video of the Flight test:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ygetzixwwkzjme8/IDFCormorantDemo%20May2018HD.MOV?dl=0
And a simulated casualty Loading:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zfakcfhqe22dj13/Cormorant%20CasEvac%20Loading.MOV?dl=0