Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The latest advancements in local air rescue are on display at NAVDEX 2025, with state-of-the-art aircraft and drones showcased by the UAE's top emergency response teams.
Speaking with Aletihad, Hasan Al Hosani, a rescue instructor at the UAE Search and Rescue Team, explained the capabilities of the Italian-made AgustaWestland AW139 aircraft.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a FLIR thermal camera, the AW139 enhances search and rescue missions by detecting lost individuals in both marine and land environments.
"This aircraft can carry three patients at once, and we prepare its equipment according to the mission report," Al Hosani said.
"For marine rescues, we use a specialised basket with a marine rescue suit, while land rescues require a stretcher and other medical equipment. The aircraft is always mission-ready, with a take-off time of 15 minutes during the day and 30 minutes at night."
The AW139 is operated by a crew of two pilots, a navigator and a paramedic, ensuring rapid response and efficient rescues.
Colonel Engineer Pilot Ahmed Abdulla Aldhaheri from the Abu Dhabi Police Aviation Department presented the Bell 429 helicopter, a crucial asset for Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) missions.
"In addition to the Bell 429, we are also showcasing the DJI 350 drone, equipped with high-definition cameras, speakers and flashers to assist in law enforcement operations," Aldhaheri told Aletihad.
The drone enhances ADP's surveillance and policing efforts, providing aerial support in critical situations.
The Joint Aviation Command (JAC) is exhibiting the Black Hawk helicopter, integrated with an advanced firefighting system designed to combat fires in high-rise buildings.
"This helicopter features a water pump controlled by firefighters at the back, capable of adjusting between 30 and 110 degrees for precise water deployment," a JAC representative told Aletihad. "The system allows us to contain and put out fires in elevated buildings, like skyscrapers, quickly and efficiently."
The Black Hawk's innovative water drop system enables rapid refilling from firefighter trucks or natural water sources.
The hoverboard system, a mechanical tube-controlled bucket, can extract water from pools or the sea, pumping up to 1,000 gallons per minute and refilling in just 45 seconds.
The aircraft also includes a tank containing foam, which is mixed with water to enhance firefighting effectiveness.
With innovations like the AW139, Bell 429, DJI 350 drone, and Black Hawk, local rescue teams are better equipped than ever to tackle emergencies efficiently and effectively.
