One of the main challenges are the weather patterns in secluded areas.

In the past air ambulance crews had no other meteorological data or information than given by the Norwegian meteorological service. Often they had to turn back when the weather suddenly changed or had to fly around mountains, losing precious, lifesaving time.

“I wished we could have more accurate and real time information about the weather conditions along our route”, thought one of the pilots. This bright guy came up with the idea of weather stations which should be installed in “the middle of nowhere”.

A climate-controlled small weather station (locker) was developed, with two to three high-end cameras, computers, various measurement tools / sensors and electronics. All data could now be sent over the mobile network via a robust mobile broadband router from Advantech/B+B SmartWorx. Since the weather stations are spread around in the mountains and rural areas of Norway with demanding coverage situations, there was need for robust and reliable antennas that withstand the rough climate. Thus, no surprise that antennas from Poynting Antennas were recommended and chosen.

Each weather station is equipped with the LR77 Libratum 4G router and 1 or 2 antennas. Depending of the topography and coverage, they use either the XPOL-2 directional antenna or the omnidirectional OMNI-69/OMNI-121 from Poynting Antennas. Data is sent continuously in both directions.

The Result:

Access to unique weather patterns and live pictures in time to save lives.

Air Ambulance bases and pilots, in the Norwegian Air Ambulance, and Police helicopter, 330 Squadron and other operators in the air ambulance service now have access to 100 weather stations/cameras around the country. Each station transmits images of very good quality (even at night) and provides also information about pressure and temperature. The information gives pilots a much better basis for choosing the best route and saving often time when seconds count.