The ITEC UAV in Missionary Aviation

Many have watched videos showcasing the ITEC UAV, seeing the exciting role it could play in the mission field. This use of this new technology to deliver urgently needed supplies to hard or impossible-to-reach areas has grabbed the interest of thousands online. In 2016, a team from ITEC presented our UAV at the annual conference of the International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA).

ITEC at 2017 IAMA Conference

At the 2017 IAMA conference, in El Cajon, CA, both individual members and representatives from schools and ministry organizations gathered, all seeking to encourage a spirit of collaboration and cooperation as they seek to serve Christ around the globe. The ITEC team was also there; including ITEC president Steve Buer; Jim Massengill, a pilot-engineer; and UAV innovators Troy Townsend and Aaron Theissen.

The exciting new message for the attendees this year; the ITEC UAV is ready for deployment in the field! After continued development, ITEC engineers Troy Townsend and Aaron Theissen have fine-tuned the UAV, creating a turn-key system for Missions Aviation organizations.

It is understandable that some in the missions aviation community are apprehensive about the impact of UAVs on the need for conventional planes and pilots. Others are interested in the new technology but don't know where to start. The ITEC team emphasized that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are not designed or intended to replace human pilots. Instead, UAVs have the potential to enhance and expand traditional mission aviation programs. UAVs can reach remote and inaccessible locations in conditions beyond those of conventional aircraft, in far less time, and in areas where human safety might be in question.

Deployed in "Hot and Sandy" Location

During the presentation, the team showed a film of pilot-missionaries using the ITEC UAV in a "hot and sandy" location. The footage from their actual UAV flights showed the harsh landscape below, and even the payload drops. We believe that UAVs might be used in mission work in a number of ways, including: 1) landing strip inspections; 2) disaster response planning; 3) delivery of computer and small engine and other mechanical parts and tools; and, 4) expedited delivery of critical medical supplies when time is of the utmost importance.

The growing list of UAV benefits includes the potential for cost-effective recovery and reuse of the vehicle, significantly reduced risk and cost-savings compared to conventional aerial delivery, and accessibility to remote and conventionally inaccessible drop sites. The UAV has safety features which can return the unit towards its intended destination if it is diverted off course by, for example, extremely high storm winds. There is also the possibility for GPS satellite tracking and recovery in case of a UAV downing.

IAMA Success, More Work Ahead

The ITEC team returned home from the IAMA conference excited to have interest in the UAV program!

At ITEC, we desire to see the research and development God has called us to implemented in the field. Please join us in praying for these new partnerships, wisdom for leadership as the UAV program grows, and for the continued opportunity to use technology to reach those who are hard to reach. Learn More About the ITEC UAV