Winyama has joined the Wildu Aero Project, an initiative aimed at addressing healthcare inequity across rural and remote regions of Australia. Leveraging hydrogen-fuelled electric vertical take-off and landing uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), the project aims to improve accessibility to essential healthcare services such as; pathology, treatments and telehealth services. It is not uncommon for those living in the rural and remote regions of Western Australia to wait for up to 5-7 days to receive their blood test results.
Designed to work in tandem with local health services, the Wildu Aero project will also provide critical support during emergency disaster relief efforts.
As part of a strategic partnership with ASAC Consultancy, Winyama will lead the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) piloting portion of the Wildu Aero Project, alongside consultation with communities over appropriate and culturally safe flight paths.
“Outside of our military, there are very few organisations authorised to fly UAS beyond visual line of sight,” said Grady Toomath, Winyama’s Chief Drone Pilot. “We have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure this is done in an efficient and safe manner. Beyond the technical aspects, we also have to consider the cultural and environmental sensitivities of the regions we serve. We’ll be working very closely with communities to ensure this project is done in a way that is culturally appropriate.”
Stage one flight trials are set to begin in the coming months. Once the new drone prototype and flight pathways have been approved, Winyama will work with local communities to train members to pilot the drones themselves.
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