easyAIRDROP (A167) VHF rescue locator
Product Information
Features
Technical Data
easyAIRDROP –
AIS based VHF locator unit
The easyAIRDROP rechargeable is developed for multi usage purposes. The package contains the VHF based personal locating beacon vmsTRACK-PRO-CS to support rescue teams, such as SAR airplanes or SAR helicopters.
The AIRDROP unit can also be used by research teams doing current measurement or from flight patrol members looking out for dangerous objects floating in the water.
Function
The easyAIRDROP with the built-in locator beacon is ready for use. Just open the box, get the easyAIRDROP out and throw it out of an aircraft.
An automatic triggering function activates the internal VHF locator when it is submerged into water. Marking dangerous floating objects, measuring
special currents for research or locating MOB events, – the usage and the preparation of the unit is quite simple at all.
By means of the integrated Bluetooth module, individual programming can be done easily via the Weatherdock
free of charge app vmsTRACK-PRO. Once paired with the mobile phone, the locator beacon can be edited with special name, area of activity, etc.
Customized VHF frequencies as well as the standard AIS frequencies can be used for position reports depending
on national authorities.
In case of ON mode, the individual data will be transmitted. In case of ALERT mode the AIS MOB safety message setting will be broadcasted.
The air deployable housing is made of 2 floatable plastic foam parts and is kept together with 2 rubber straps. A soluble tablet is fixing the straps until the whole unit is submerged into water. The locator beacon is mounted inside the housing.
By dissolving the tablet, the housing is opened and the unit starts transmission by water activation.
A weight at the bottom will keep the easy-
AIRDROP in upright position for best possible signal radiation and floating with the actual current.
With the long antenna the transmission range will be 9 to 12 nm to a vessel. SAR airplanes or helicopters will receive the signal in a distance of up to 100 nm by 1000
feet flight level.
- Marking floating objects
Patrol flying airplanes or helicopters discovering
dangerous floating objects like hidden container
units or oil spills will be able to mark the position
for follow-up vessels. Position reports will be done
usually on customized frequencies after water
activation. - Research current measurement
To know the speed of special currents might be a
helpful data source for research issues as well as
future rescue operations. Position reporting with
COG and SOG of the floating easyAIRDROP will
be done usually on customized frequencies after
activation. - Locating alert situations
SAR airplane or SAR helicopter crews will be able
to mark the position of alert situation. Just pressing
the ALERT button at the locator beacon before
dropping the easyAIRDROP out of the window. The
unit starts transmitting a safety related message
that SAR vessels will receive after they entered the
transmission range of the transmitter. - Highlights:
- Internal fully approved & certified VHF locator unit
vmsTRACK-PRO-CS. - Water activation in tracking mode when
submerged. - Current GPS position of alert situation via AIS – the
fastest way possible. - Floatable due to special housing.
- High transmission range
• up to 12 nm (on water surface with 20 ft receiving
antenna height)
• up to 100 nm (flight level 1000 ft). - Long-life battery power.
- 48 hours continuous transmission after activated
once. - Rechargeable batteries
- Internal fully approved & certified VHF locator unit
- Made in Germany
- According BSH standards.
- Radiated RF power: approx. 2 W.
- Dimensions (WxH): 200 x 130 mm
(easyAIRDROP housing). - Weight: approx. 750 g.
- Operating conditions: -20°C – +65°C.
- Battery lifespan: up to 1000 cycles/05 Years.
- After rescue usage the whole package can be re-fitted together again and recharged for further usage.
What is necessary to run the
easyAIRDROP?
Software and the programming socket.
To receive the transmitted signal, an AIS capable chart plotter or PC software is required to display the relevant data.
If transmission is done on customized VHF frequencies, Weatherdock‘s easyRX3 or an AIS Class B unit from Weatherdock to receive the incoming position report data.
F.A.Q.
Get your answers here
The easyAIRDROP (model A167) is an airworthy VHF location/marking unit with an integrated locator beacon based on the vmsTRACK-PRO-CS. The easyAIRDROP is designed to be airdropped from an aircraft or helicopter to mark dangerous floating objects, MOB (man overboard) situations, or other emergencies.
The easyAIRDROP is prepared for use before release and can be activated as needed by pressing the ALERT button.
After impact with the water surface, the automatic transmission function begins. A soluble tablet activates the opening mechanism: The housing opens, the antenna deploys automatically, and the unit immediately begins transmitting position data.
Air patrols seeking to detect and mark dangerous floating objects (such as shipping containers or oil spills).
Emergency situations such as MOBs or similar overboard incidents.
Research/marine surveillance teams seeking to measure currents or locate objects.