Jetson eVTOL trialed in partnership with Polish SAR group
The eVTOL was tested in a range of mountain rescue scenarios, and reached the summit of Mount Lubań in under four minutes
Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Jetson was invited by Poland’s Mountain Volunteer Search and Rescue (GOPR) to trial its aircraft for use in mountain emergency response scenarios.
The Jetson team demonstrated the Jetson ONE eVTOL’s use in a range of mission scenarios in southern Poland, including reaching the summit of the 1,211-meter-high Mount Lubań in under four minutes.
The company also stated that its aircraft demonstrated strong stability and control, even in strong crosswind conditions that peaked at 16m/s.
The trial was also attended by representatives of other rescue organizations, who were invited to observe and provide feedback.
“The GOPR team identified a real-life scenario where, if the Jetson ONE is strategically placed on a mountain summit, it could cover an area up to 700km2 of otherwise difficult-to-reach terrain,” said Stéphan D’haene, CEO of Jetson.
Jetson stated that it was “evaluating further optimization of the ONE for lifesaving operations that will allow first responders to reach previously inaccessible terrain”.
“This is not just a tech showcase, but a real opportunity for a new tool in our work,” added Jarosław Jurczakiewicz, Head of the Podhale GOPR Group. “Equipment like this could enable extremely fast access to casualties – especially in situations where reaching them by all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or on foot takes dozens of minutes, if not longer, depending on availability of prepared mountain trails. The Jetson ONE could serve as a ‘rescue spearhead’ – the first responder who arrives instantly and can begin action immediately.”
New Zealand Air Ambulance Service (NZAAS) placed an order for two eVTOLS with aerospace firm BETA Technologies late last year.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.