Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) on Wednesday reported that it has taken part in disaster response training exercises organized by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The exercises, which were held in conjunction with the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA), simulated a response to a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough.

Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee estimates there is an 80percent chance of a Nankai Trough megaquake occurring along Japan’s southern coast within the next 30 years.

Training exercises were conducted using UAVs developed by MHI’s Commercial Aviation Systems. One of the UAVs was a small single-rotor vehicle resembling a helicopter, which can be used to assess the status of damage immediately following a disaster.

A medium-sized six-engine drone-style UAV, which can be used in adverse weather conditions, transported heavy cargo, in this case 150 kg of water. The exercise aimed to show that relief supplies could be delivered to isolated areas. The cargo – 72 2-liter bottles of water – was lowered to the ground using an automatic winch while being hit by strong winds.

Training exercises were also conducted to assess the extent of damage immediately following a disaster using the small-sized UAV, demonstrating that it is possible to confirm the status of disaster victims and the damaged areas with the vehicle’s onboard camera. 

MHI is looking at pursuing expanded the role UAVs play in disasters, such as installing equipment to help communication in areas where mobile phone service has been disrupted.