Shark Updates

Drone copters named 'Little Rippers' to be tested in New South Wales

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 29 February, 2016 - A next-generation helicopter drone is being kitted out with a camera for shark detection. The unmanned aircraft cost about $250,000 and will be used along northern New South Wales shorelines.

The trial is being implemented by Surf Lifesaving NSW who will test the remote vehicles for six months to see how effective they are. Plans call for the drones to be used in addition to manned helicopters, according to a report at itnews.com.

Data is transmitted from the battery-powered Vapor 55 drones via an encrypted Ethernet wireless link.

The drones are also being tested to see if they can carry an inflatable raft for rescues as well as an emergency positioning beacon.

The drones come on the heels of several other high tech devices being tested along Australia's coast, including Smart Buoys which use sonar to detect sharks.