The blood of urgency could soon be transported by this UAV in South Africa – here's how it works

• The blood may soon be delivered by drone to South Africa.
• The TRON drone could save many lives by flying at speeds up to 160 km / h.
• The drone can carry 4 units of blood.
• Before working, he still has to pbad aviation licenses.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS), in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS), has developed a plan to transport emergency blood to hospitals by drone.

Yesterday, a TRON unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) took off from North East Radio Flyers in Sandton and landed safely, with fake blood, a few minutes later. In the not-too-distant future, South Africa could see similar thefts, this time with real blood, from banks to hospitals. Drones could reach remote areas of South Africa in case of emergency.

The TRON drone takes off at Sandton. Photo Chante Schatz, Video24

According to SANBS, the drone will be a first in South Africa and will save many lives.

"We believe that it is an innovative step in the history of blood transfusions. SANBS is committed to improving rapid access to vital blood products in rural areas through the use of drone technology, "said Dr. Jonathan Louw, CEO of SANBS.

"Our concept is unique in the world in that we will provide two-way logistics; Patients can receive "O negative" blood urgently from one of our drone blood banks. The same drone can then bring that patient's blood sample into the blood bank for complete matching, and then quickly and safely return compatible blood to the patient. "

The SANBS believe that this could change the case for emergency blood distribution in hospitals located 100 km from blood banks. The UAV will fly at an altitude of 100 meters in the air without having to navigate the traffic.

TRON can carry a payload of up to 2 kg, equivalent to 4 units of blood. Photo provided.

The drone will be able to carry the equivalent of 4 units of blood.

SANBS provides over one million blood products annually to 8 of our 9 provinces, with the exception of The Western Cape, served by WCBS.

It will take some time before a UAV like this one gets a license to fly in South African airspace.

Business Insider has confirmed to SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority), the regulator responsible for licensing drones and drones, that SANBS will still have to register to get the operating certificates necessary before being able to operate in the airspace of the AS.

"SANBS contacted SACAA to find out how they could get their proposed transactions to comply with RPAS regulations. This process is still in its infancy, "said CAA.

The CAA also pointed out that such a UAV must also comply with aviation laws on the transport of blood, clbadified as dangerous goods.

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