RCAF extends its contract for Lifeseeker airborne phone location system

Lifeseeker enables SAR operators to locate people quickly and accurately by using their mobile phones as beacons, where the only requirement is that the phone is turned on. There is no need for the phone to be connected to a network, an important consideration for finding people in the Canadian wilderness.

Lifeseeker can also be used to communicate with the missing person to assess any immediate medical needs, the best place to pick them up and any other requirements. However, the system does not necessitate the missing person taking any action.

Héctor Estévez, CEO of CENTUM, said: “This expansion speaks of the high level of confidence the Royal Canadian Air Force has in Lifeseeker. The reason is because Lifeseeker makes it very simple to locate someone’s cellphone to within a few meters, meaning the SAR team’s job is much easier. Nothing matters more than saving lives and we are honored to be instrumental in helping SAR teams fly successful missions.”

Lifeseeker is being used by more than 25 SAR operators throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As well as the RCAF, users include REGA, the Swiss Air Force, and the Vigili del Fuoco, and the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security recently selected to use Lifeseeker; between them, they have used the system on over 100 successful missions in the past year.

Canadian SAR efforts have been bolstered by recent Cormorant upgrade and simulator contracts.