Press release
August 31, 2021
“So as we’ve seen with previous rescues or attempts, we do have limitations with the cameras and other rescue technology,” said Aviation Safety Officer Justin Lilly who works for the Alaska Department of Public Safety. “So being able to have an additional resource to be able to try and locate those folks in a timely, efficient manner is greatly beneficial,” Lilly continues.
The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector can quickly search large areas. The helicopter searches from a height of 100 meters covering an area approximately 100 meters wide. Searching at speeds up to 100 km/h, rescuers can cover a 1 km2 within 6 minutes. Besides shortening search time, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and the exposure to risk for rescue workers during search missions.
”To be able to further develop the system together with experienced and motivated organizations such as the Alaska State Troopers is an honor. Placing a RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector in the state of Alaska is a milestone for us and we are excited to continue to build our collaboration,” says Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO.
Many Search & Rescue teams in Alaska are equipped with handheld RECCO detectors for avalanche rescue and searching for missing people, but this is the first time the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system is operational in the State.
RECCO rescue reflectors are commonly found in outdoor clothing and equipment, such as backpacks, hiking shoes, and helmets. The first hunting brand to integrate RECCO reflectors into their products last year is FORLOH, an American company based in Whitefish, Montana.
Currently there are 21 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally, with 7 in North America and 14 units deployed across Europe. The latest deployments include Teton County Search and Rescue (USA), Alpine Helicopters (CAN) and a RECCO SAR helicopter detector based out of Abruzzo operated by Italy’s CNSAS.
RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com
