Item: BRIDGING THE GAP: INTEGRATING THE RECCO R9 DETECTOR INTO SUAS FOR AERIAL AVALANCHE SEARCH
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Title: BRIDGING THE GAP: INTEGRATING THE RECCO R9 DETECTOR INTO SUAS FOR AERIAL AVALANCHE SEARCH
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Joseph Albanese [ Drone Amplified, Lincoln, NE, USA ]
- Mattias Hellgren [ RECCO AB, Lidingö, Sweden ]
- Ralph Blumburg [ Drone Amplified, Lincoln, NE, USA ]
- Craig Donovan [ RECCO AB, Lidingö, Sweden ]
- Dan Justa [ Drone Amplified, Lincoln, NE, USA ]
- Carrick Detweiler [ Drone Amplified, Lincoln, NE, USA ]
- Pat Dryer [ Juneau Mountain Rescue Juneau, AK, USA ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: The integration of the RECCO R9 detector onto a small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) offers a promising, force-multiplying tool to search and rescue teams. This technical presentation details the engineering challenges of the integration, primarily focusing on the mitigation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the sUAS powertrain and electronics to maintain an interference free environment for the R9's high receiver sensitivity. To ensure operational reliability, we developed a payload architecture which implements RF shielding so that the risk of distracting signal returns is mitigated. A key feature of this integration is the "dual-mode" feedback system: a new digital data bridge provides real-time signal visualization and GPS-tagging of detections, while the original analog audio feedback is preserved. This allows experienced rescuers to leverage their intuitive "search by ear" skills while benefiting from precise digital mapping of the debris field on the sUAS controller. Operational analysis suggests that this sUAS-based platform occupies a unique niche between RECCO handheld detectors and helicopter-mounted systems. We will present data on search-speed efficiencies and signal resolution when operating at a variety of altitudes, particularly in terrain where secondary avalanche hazards limit ground access. By utilizing autonomous grid-pattern flight paths, the system ensures full coverage of an area, reducing human induced search pattern variation, and significantly decreases the time to cover avalanche debris, particularly crucial in emergencies where every minute counts. It is considered that this integration serves as a force multiplier, by providing high-resolution aerial search capabilities combined with the potential to be rapidly and remotely deployed by on-site responders, contributing to enhanced safety and efficacy of ground-based recovery teams.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P1.65.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098881
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Ralph Blumberg
Keywords: sUAS, RECCO R9, Search and Rescue, Drone
Page Number(s): 2477 - 2479
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