The ALPS-RADAR project aims to enhance airborne rescue operations in alpine regions by developing an advanced system for automated flight risk assessment. While drone-based rescue missions hold great potential, challenges remain—especially in weather forecasting and drone deployment under complex conditions.

ALPS-RADAR supports decision-making by combining high-resolution weather models with AI-driven analysis to evaluate flight risks for both drones and helicopters. The project leverages UBIMET’s proprietary UCM weather model, complemented by additional high-resolution models. The focus is on both process development and the creation of an app prototype that enables an automated, holistic one-click risk assessment for drone-assisted rescue missions. For helicopter operations, a graphical user interface provides pilots with real-time weather risk assessments—rather than mere weather parameters—thereby increasing operational safety. For drone-based rescue missions, the app prototype enables rapid risk assessment with minimal data input by automatically integrating meteorological, topographic, and regulatory factors to support informed deployment decisions.

Although challenges such as the limited availability of specialized drones, gaps in pilot training, and regulatory hurdles are not immediately resolved, ALPS-RADAR fosters collaboration among rescue organizations—including mountain rescue, the Red Cross, and the fire brigade. This cooperation lays the groundwork for future joint drone operations and contributes to more flexible and effective use of drone technology in emergencies.

By combining process innovation with a user-friendly app prototype, ALPS-RADAR introduces a structured approach to risk assessment in air rescue operations to improve safety, efficiency, and the integration of drones in alpine emergency rescue.