RDT wins key European Space Agency development contract
RDT Ltd is pleased to announce its success in winning a key European Space Agency development contract aimed at identifying suitable solutions to the provision of sustainable, satcom delivered telemedicine services for the commercial aviation sector.
Said RDT’s Managing Director Graham Murphy, “ESA has been active in the field of satellite delivered telemedicine for a number of years and this development contract addresses the use of telemedicine in support of the management of medical emergencies on board commercial airlines. Competition was fierce, so RDT is delighted to have been appointed as a prime ESA contractor.”
Continues Murphy: “With the rise of larger aircraft and lower airfares, the number of people of all ages travelling by air is rising. As a result, the probability of a medical emergency occurring in flight has increased and the pilot will often divert the flight to the nearest airport where medical attention can be provided. Commercial airlines are interested in telemedicine technology as a tool to improve medical provision for customers as well as support their staff and crew. In simple terms, better diagnosis that enables a diversion to be avoided is of direct benefit to the airline and its passengers.”
RDT will be supported by ESYS plc, a leading technology consultancy that has worked in telemedicine via satellite applications for over eight years and bmi who will provide the facilities for the flight trial. Between them the three companies have a complete understanding of the issues, with RDT and bmi able to add real world experience of aero telemedicine that will both inform ESA on the practical issue of aero telemedicine implementation and ensure a viable commercial outcome to the project.
Confirms bmi’s Pilot Medical Officer, Graham Cresswell, “As one of the most innovative European carriers, expanding into long haul routes, bmi see a very strong case for telemedicine. False alarm medical diversions are very disruptive both for the airline and its passengers and sophisticated medical support is an important part of bmi’s product offering. We believe that research and development of this type needs strong input from the airline industry, as it is essential that the airline perspective is brought to the real world issues of deploying telemedicine equipment on commercial aircraft.”
By investing in new technological avenues and new system concepts, ESA acts as a catalyst for European industry to develop and exploit emerging products, services and markets. In addition, ESA provides a framework and meeting point to facilitate the discussion, harmonisation and generation of standards. The industrial consortium, through its major investment in the development cost of the project, is fully committed to bringing a profitable service to the commercial aviation market