Canadian Search and Rescue Can Now Track Cell Phones

Canadian military search and rescue CC-130H aircraft can now track the cell phones of crash victims.

Monday, September 09, 2024 at 09:27 AM ET

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The CC-130H Hercules is primarily used for search and rescue operations. While it also carries out transport missions, its main focus is saving lives through the Canadian Armed Forces’ search and rescue mandate. [Courtesy: Royal Canadian Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Canadian military search and rescue (SAR) aircraft are being equipped with the Canadian Airborne Sensor for Search and Rescue (CASSAR) system to track active cellphones.
The CASSAR system mimics a cell tower to detect location signals from powered-on cellphones, but it cannot monitor conversations.
A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) was conducted, concluding that privacy risks associated with the system are expected to be low.
Military commanders anticipate the CASSAR system will significantly reduce search times and improve outcomes for SAR operations across Canada's vast area.

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Canadian military search and rescue aircraft are being equipped with devices that can track cellphones carried by pilots and passengers, according to Canadian Aviator magazine.

The equipment used by the Canadian Airborne Sensor for Search and Rescue (CASSAR) system detects the cell tower interrogation signals emitted by cell phones. The system has been installed in CC-130H aircraft that are dedicated to search and rescue response.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.