r/interestingasfuck • u/Red_Lotus_Alchemist • 2d ago

/r/all A Chinese earthquake rescue team deployed drones to light up the night and aid search and rescue operations after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar.

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u/BrentButler 2d ago

That’s a straightforward and clever use of a new technology. I’m curious what the usable flight time would be.

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u/certifiedintelligent 2d ago

They’re tethered, so they can fly and light as long as the generator on the ground runs.

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u/IntelligentMoney2 2d ago edited 2d ago

Why this and not a balloon? Less power consumption. What would be the limitations on a balloon? A drone is more stable to wind, what else?

Edit: I’m actually curious, not trying to start a war over this. What are the benefits of a drone over a balloon?

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u/Fortune_Cat 2d ago

Helium is a scarce resource

What if it's a windy, can the balloon self stablise

U need to lug a helium tank

U need to tether either way to power the lights

Lights produce heat Can the balloon resist and disperse that heat

What if the balloon pops. Carry spare helium and balloons?

Can you manouvre the balloon over rough landscape and rubble?

A drone boxes up quickly and easily in a portable case

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u/lovethebacon 2d ago

Helium is not a scarce resource.

But the rest of your points are mostly correct.