Arrowsmith SAR is raising money to buy a high-end Matrice 350 RTK drone. (submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

drone push

‘It could be the difference between life and death:’ Arrowsmith SAR wants new drone

Mar 4, 2025 | 6:23 AM

NANAIMO — A local search and rescue organization has its eyes on an advanced model of drone considered a leading edge device in the industry.

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue is launching a fundraising drive to secure a Matrice 350 RTK, which manager Ken Neden said is loaded with important features, noting it can fly at all times in virtually all-weather conditions.

“The resolution on the thermal and visual camera is much, much higher, so we’ll be able to look at it and say ‘yes, that’s a person,’ or, ‘that’s a deer,'” Neden told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Equipped with Eagle Eyes software, the Matrice 350 RTK can quickly detect and analyze objects of interest in real time for the drone’s operator.

Qualicum Beach based Arrowsmith SAR intends to accessorize the device, featuring an ultra-bright spotlight to single-out search subjects.

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With time of the essence when a hiker is injured and hypothermic in the alpine for example, Neden said this new drone ticks all of the boxes.

“We can actually put a laser-finder on them and give an exact location on our map to quickly rescue somebody, especially in poor weather it could be the difference between life and death.”

Neden said while the drone costs about $36,000 before taxes, accessories, advanced training requirements and related equipment enhancements among other costs pushed their fundraising campaign to $60,000.

He said Arrowsmith SAR will be applying for grants to hopefully lower the costs.

Neden said the device, which would have an estimated flying weight for their needs of around 14 pounds, will complement two other smaller drones they have.

The Matrice 350 RTK has could have wider important public safety uses beyond looking for lost or distressed people.

“If there’s a disaster or flooding, we can actually put a drone up and using the Eagle Eyes software and links thought to maps we can put a live feed even back to emergency operations centre to give them a live look at what’s happening in the field,” Neden said.

Donations to Arrowsmith SAR for its new drone can be made on its website linked here.

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