Unique SAR System Integrates High Precision Geo-Location Solutions
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and RT Aerostat Systems launched the Skystar ResQCell, a cellular geo-location mounted aerostat, at DSEI Japan this week.
The system is a mini-aerostat SAR asset that enables rapid location of missing or trapped people following any disaster. The unique system allows SAR teams to rapidly, efficiently locate and assist individuals in complex urban terrain, open ground in which access has become difficult due to disruption, or even in conflict zones. It integrates RT’s Skystar 110 aerostat and IAI/ELTA’s ResQCell system, which includes an active IMSI catcher, three compact passive sensors and a ground control application. Mobile in two man-packs, the system can be ready for deployment within ten minutes. The solution features a multi-band, multi-technology IMSI catcher to trigger idle cellular phones, and an advanced DF/geo-location system to detect and locate mobile signals. Resulting information is processed and transmitted to a ground unit, which calculates and displays a 3D geo-location of the cellphone.
ResQCell is easy to operate and can be activated quickly, ensuring rapid response in time-critical cases. The high-precision, portable cellular geo-location system is accurate to within a few metres and is independent, requiriring no access to local mobile networks. It also supports all types of cellular networks. Providing long operational endurance, the system is an effective planning and decision-making tool for commanders, providing long-lasting, rapidly operational and efficient C2 capabilities in the field.
Adi Dulberg, VP & General Manager, IAI/ELTA Intelligence, Comms & EW Division, said: “This life-saving solution can track and locate the exact location of a missing person, during any disaster. The comprehensive solution revolutionises disaster response and delivers a detailed picture of missing or trapped people and rescue teams, by accurately geo-locating their cellular phones. Because time is a significant component when a disaster occurs, the system can be deployed in minutes and provide rescue forces with a long-endurance, highly-effective and easy-to-use, lifesaving solution.”
“Partnering with IAI ELTA has helped us bring a precision life-saving system to the emergency services sector, especially after the recent earthquakes in Turkey […] The integration of our systems has created an advanced solution that enables situational awareness, rapid response, and access to any disaster area. We believe this solution will be able to greatly assist search and rescue teams around the world,” added Rami Shmueli, CEO of RT Aerostat Systems.
