10 unmanned systems
inside
April/May 2016
ISRAEL— In tight urban environments and complex ter-
rain could potentially serve as an emergency vehicle in cities
where high-rises pose a rescue and firefighting dilemma.
With a footprint the size of a Humvee and rotors that are
tucked underneath in protective bays the AirMule will be
able to maneuver through tight spaces, carrying up to 1,100
pounds as high a 18,000 feet.
"Imagine being able to climb up and in a few minutes be
at a certain f loor level, say the 40th f loor, and punch a hole
Small Unmanned Helicopter With Protected Rotors
Could Support Urban Firefghting and High-Rise Rescue
Photo
courtesy
of
UrbanAero
Aeronautics
in a window and dump in fire retardant," Rafi Yoeli said, the
president and CEO of Israel-based Urban Aeronautics Ltd.,
which is developing the unmanned version of the AirMule
through its subsidiary Tactical Robotics, Ltd.
The aircraft could also go up the side of a high-rise, abut-
ting against the wall, to rescue trapped people, Yoeli said—
though he stressed there could be safety questions about us-
ing an unmanned aircraft for such a mission.
It is the AirMule's design that makes working so close to
buildings possible.
"There's no risk of rotor blade strikes, which is the number
one cause of accidents for helicopters trying to operate in ob-
structed terrain," Yoeli said.
The current vehicle, which has captured the attention of the
US military as well as NATO, is currently in development with
the support of the Israeli Ministry of Defense and could be in
service in five years. The export version is called the Cormo-
rant. A larger manned version is also being considered.
The AIRMULE
HELICOPTER
has its rotors
tucked protectively
underneath it.
NEWS & ANALYSIS