Detecting and locating cell phone signals from avalanche victims using unmanned aerial vehicles

Scores of avalanche injuries and fatalities occur annually. This research presents an avalanche search and rescue (SAR) proof-of-concept option that utilizes a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) helicopter with a payload capable of detecting and locating a buried victim's cell phone. Cell phones involved in this research were modern-day fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) devices with an application specifically designed for potential SAR detection. This study focused primarily on radio frequency (RF) propagation modeling through snow and air. The analysis and associated field trials demonstrate that it is feasible to detect these cell phone devices through avalanche debris up to 7 feet deep. Alpine UAS inclement flight demonstrations were also conducted. Although many studies have been published on detecting the position of mobile cellular devices, this is the first of its kind to quantify the detection of a cell phone that is buried under the snow.