New drone technology developed in Saskatoon could dramatically change how search-and-rescue teams locate missing people faster, more accurately and in some of the most challenging conditions on Earth. Saskatoon-based Draganfly is now partnering with an international rescue organization, highlighting how unmanned aircraft are becoming essential public-safety tools around the world. “We have people from all over the world contacting us and approaching us,” Cory Baker, advanced project manager with Draganfly, told CTV News. What’s drawing global attention is a specialized Draganfly drone equipped with the Smith Myers payload, a cutting-edge technology designed to locate missing persons through their cellphones. The silver module mounted beneath the aircraft which is capable of detecting and connecting to cellphones, even in remote or hard-to-reach areas — from distances of up to 35 kilometres. “That acts as a mobile cell tower to connect to and identify cellphones for missing persons,” Baker said. The technology significantly reduces the time and manpower required during searches, allowing ground crews to focus their efforts where they’re needed most and eliminate certain areas quickly – maximizing time when it’s critical. “It really helps save a lot of time and effort from people on the ground,” Baker said. One of Europe’s leading search-and-rescue organizations, based in Sweden, has now signed on to purchase the Saskatoon-made drones. The aircraft are designed to operate in harsh weather conditions, a key requirement for rescue operations in remote and rugged environments. Baker says Saskatchewan is an ideal place to design, test and manufacture the technology. “Operating in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan does give us a very good benefit of having a lot of wide-open space to go do flight testing and development,” he said Draganfly employs about 15 staff in Saskatoon, with an additional location in Burnaby B.C. The company has roughly 50 employees nationwide. Despite international success, Baker says the company’s Saskatchewan roots are intentional, even if potential customers sometimes question the location. “Well, that’s where we live. So we’re building the company and the technology where we live,” he said. Draganfly began in 1998 as a model airplane business and evolved alongside advancements in drone technology, proving its effectiveness in real-world applications. Closer to home, the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) has been using drones for several years. SPS says the technology is primarily used in searches for missing persons, to document and investigate collision scenes, to assist the fire department with aerial views of fire scenes, and by specialized teams to help locate suspects. With growing global demand and ongoing advancements in drone technology, the sky is the limit for Draganfly.
