Smith Myers launches ARTEMIS-Flex

Image courtesy Smith Myers

The genesis of ARTEMIS-Flex dates to late 2023, when Smith Myers answered the call of Mountain Rescue Teams worldwide with the launch of the ARTEMIS Mountain Rescue (MR) Backpack. This world-first pioneering product swiftly became a lifesaving hero in Europe’s mountainous regions. Demand grew from rescue organisations worldwide for adaptations to suit various platforms, from 4×4 vehicles and ATVs to Skidoos and Coast Guard vessels.

Andrew Munro, Managing Director at Smith Myers explained: “Our mantra, ‘We listen, we design, we deliver,’ has guided us to this moment. The MR Backpack’s success revealed it could be so much more. By integrating a few ancillaries and tweaking the housing, ARTEMIS-Flex was born.”

ARTEMIS-Flex is engineered to be the paradigm of versatility and resilience, seamlessly adapting to ground and sea operations. ARTEMIS-Flex is ideal for locating and communicating with individuals in distress without depending on cellular networks, even in hazardous weather conditions.

One European Coast Guard Commander commented: “After adapting the ARTEMIS backpack for our Coast Guard cutter, we quickly rescued a small boat in distress. Its versatility across our fleet is clear. If we can swiftly dismount it for backpack use, even better. It was immediately obvious we needed this capability across our fleet.”

Designed for all-weather capabilities, ARTEMIS-Flex ensures SAR teams can operate effectively, even when aircraft are grounded due to adverse weather.

Unlike cameras that may fail in poor visibility, ARTEMIS-Flex excels even in darkness and severe weather, ensuring continuous search and rescue operations. The system’s robust, waterproof housing safely stores ancillaries like the GETAC rugged tablet, shielding them from harsh environments. With ‘hot swappable’ lithium batteries providing up to 18 hours of continuous operation, and options for mains or vehicle power, ARTEMIS-Flex stands ready for any mission.

Smith Myers ARTEMIS suite of SAR products have been saving lives around the world. Most recently selected by the UK Maritime Coast Guard Agency under the UK’s new SAR2G programme, the growing global customer base includes programmes in Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Asia. ARTEMIS-Flex is being used in conjunction with ARTEMIS systems mounted on crewed and uncrewed aircraft.