Swiss Air-Rescue (Rega) has adopted an aircraft anti-collision device containing GPS technology developed by u-blox. Called 'Flarm' (flight alarm), this small-size aircraft anti-collision system was initially developed to reduce glider aircraft mid-air collisions.
Rega is the largest air rescue organisation in Switzerland and a corporate member of the Swiss Red Cross. It deploys over 10 helicopters from many bases within Switzerland to transport medical assistance to the scene of an accident. The helicopter bases are distributed in such a way that in good flying conditions the helicopters can reach any point in the country within 15 minutes. Rega also operates three air-ambulances out of Zurich International Airport, which are used to repatriate those who have been taken seriously ill or injured abroad.
The Flarm system couples a u-blox GPS receiver and a radio transceiver that can broadcast the position of any aircraft to other pilots who use the system. It then uses acoustic and optical alerts to warn pilots of any possible conflicts, or of fixed obstacles like cables or antennas - significantly reducing the risk of mid-air accidents.
Flarm was introduced in early 2004, and currently there are over 2500 Flarm devices in use including Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand and South Africa. The device has provided the light aviation industry with a compact, cost-efficient and low-power early warning anti-collision system. This is made possible by u-blox's Antaris GPS technology, which is simple to implement and offers space efficiency and immunity to radio interference.
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