tech
US military claims first drone boat rescue of downed helicopter crew
US Navy’s Task Force 59 achieved the drone rescue at sea near Strait of Hormuz.
TL;DR
- Two US Army pilots were rescued by a drone boat after their AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed off the coast of Oman on June 8.
- This is reportedly the first time the US military has used a drone boat for a maritime rescue mission.
- The rescue was conducted by a US Navy Corsair unmanned surface vessel operated by Task Force 59, which integrates uncrewed vehicles into naval operations.
- The Corsair drone is 24 feet long, developed by Saronic Technologies, and capable of carrying significant payload over long distances at high speeds.
- The cause of the helicopter crash was not immediately clear, with reports varying and President Trump blaming Iran.
- The incident highlights the increasing use of drone technology for military operations, including potential future search-and-rescue missions in the Pacific.