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Yellowknife RCMP crash drone Remote controlled helicopter lost last month
Daniel Campbell
Northern News Services
Published Friday, July 19, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife RCMP only got to play with its new toy for a couple of months before it met an unfortunate end.
Chris John, a radio manager with the RCMP, controls the UAV during a demonstration flight on April 3. - NNSL file photo |
The mounties' Draganflyer X4-P Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) crashed on June 11 after malfunctioning near the Yellowknife Shooting Club, a Transportation Safety Board report noted.
The remote-controlled helicopter was flying in support of an emergency response team training exercise, according to the report. It was manoeuvring approximately 52 metres above the ground when the malfunction occurred, sending it plummeting to the ground.
The report states the drone sustained damage to its canopy and rotors. RCMP have sent the UAV and flight log to the manufacturer, Draganfly Innovations Incorporated, for inspection and repairs.
Yellowknife RCMP would not say whether or not they'll be getting a replacement drone.
The RCMP bought the drone in late March of this year for $25,000. Chris John, radio manager for the RCMP, said it would be "a direct replacement for helicopters," at the time, pointing out it's quicker to deploy and cheaper.
The UAV was equipped with a camera capable of low-definition video and high-definition photos, it also has space for thermal or night-vision cameras.
Lauscher said the crashed drone is being looked at by technicians, but wondered what could have caused the crash.
"We've flown thousands of hours with them," Lauscher said, "they have a long lifespan."
Lauscher said it's uncommon for the drones to malfunction, adding crashes are more likely associated to operator error.
"They don't just drop out of the sky," Lauscher said.
Federally, RCMP spent at least $150,840 on Draganfly Innovations UAVs and equipment in 2013, as well as at least $39,363 in 2012, totalling at least $190,203, according to RCMP contract disclosure.
Kevin Lauscher, industrial sales manager for Draganfly Innovations, said the company has sold eight drones (a variety of models) to RCMP detachments across Canada.
In May, a Draganfly drone was used by Saskatchewan RCMP to locate an injured man who wandered away from a car crash. In a press release, Zenon Dragan, of Draganfly Innovations, stated it was the first time police had saved a life using a small drone.
Yellowknife RCMP did not comment on the crash or answer any questions relating to the use of the drone in time for publication.
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