Mitsubishi demonstrates UAVs for disaster response in Japan

showcased its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the Nankai Rescue 2024 disaster response training, organized by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The demonstration, part of Japan’s preparedness for a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough, involved UAVs developed by MHI’s Commercial Aviation Systems segment to assess disaster damage and deliver heavy relief supplies.

The training featured both small and medium-sized UAVs. The medium-sized UAV, designed for transporting heavy cargo, demonstrated its capability to deliver 150 kg of relief supplies, including bottled water, under strong winds of up to 10 m/s. It successfully transported the load to a presumed isolated area and used an automatic winch system to lower the cargo while hovering, marking a first-of-its-kind demonstration of UAVs unloading heavy goods autonomously.

Meanwhile, the small-sized UAV showcased its ability to assess damage post-disaster using its onboard camera, confirming the status of affected areas and victims. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to further enhance the UAVs' capabilities by integrating satellite communication for areas with no mobile network coverage and developing hybrid models with extended ranges.

The UAVs offer significant potential for use in disaster-stricken areas, providing quick and efficient logistics and damage assessment. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries aims to use the small-sized UAV for wide-area surveys and patrols and the medium-sized UAV for transporting supplies to hard-to-reach locations, enhancing disaster response and improving logistics in remote areas.