Shark-spotting drones to patrol the skies above Australian beaches
 

Shark-spotting drones to patrol the skies above Australian beaches
http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyM...c/41f/heli.jpghttp://rack.1.mshcdn.com/assets/feed...50839a8e00.jpghttp://rack.1.mshcdn.com/assets/feed...32c6f24ba1.jpg
Australian lifesavers work hard to protect beachgoers from hazards such as dangerous rips and sharks, but they are about to get some extra help from the sky.

On Sunday,*Westpac, which sponsors the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Services, an**unced it would be supporting a trial of new drones to be used in search and rescue operations.

SEE ALSO: Watch a group of adorable kids see a drone for the first time


The long-range drone being trialled, nicknamed the Little Ripper, looks much like a mini-helicopter and is battery-powered. According to an emailed statement from Westpac, as well as determining the suitability of the drone for Australia's coastal conditions, the trial also aims to develop a system of*aerial detection of sharks using its advanced vision capabilities. Read more...


More about Sharks, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Drones, Australia, and Techhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Mashable/~4/pclihLvj3O4