UK-based Smith Myers, a member of the Arctic Security and Emergency Preparedness Network (ARCSAR), will take part in the Livex search-and-rescue exercises outside of Svalbard, Norway, from August 28 to September 1. During the exercises, the company will demonstrate its Artemis search-and-rescue (SAR) technology aboard a Norwegian Air Force SAR-configured Leonardo AW101 helicopter in concert with the M/S Quest surface vessel.
“Artemis can detect, locate, and communicate with phones even when there is no local cellular network coverage,” said Smith Myers director Peter Myers. “The opportunity to not only demonstrate but share best practices with the spectrum of ARCSAR network partners, is an important part of the program and we are committed to providing our game-changing technology globally.”
According to Smith Myers, Artemis turns any mobile phone into a rescue beacon with just two small antennas to generate latitude/longitude fixes at ranges in excess of 16 nm and can also enable features and benefits including texting and calls in no service areas, automatic cueing of electro-optical and infrared sensors, and embedded mapping. Artemis increases the odds of a positive outcome in low-light/IMC conditions and is available in several configurations for manned and unmanned platforms. Smith Myers said the technology is particularly useful for the offshore energy industry.
ARCSAR’s 20 members address SAR challenges in the Arctic and North-Atlantic region including long distances, severe weather, ice/cold conditions, a poor communications network, lack of infrastructure, and limited resources. Geostationary communications satellites do not cover much of the Arctic. When a link can be made, it is prone to interruption from antenna icing or disruption from heavy seas.