ALBATROSS - The Life-Saving Glider

What it does

In disaster-prone Indonesia, rescue delays in rural villages due to difficult terrain cost lives. ALBATROSS, a low-cost glider-drone hybrid, delivers aid up to 145 km away, deploying first aid pods faster and farther than rescue teams can reach.

Your inspiration

ALBATROSS was born from my fieldwork in Indonesia, where I witnessed the harsh reality faced by rural disaster survivors—many lives are lost simply because help arrives too late. In wealthier nations, rescue teams operate within the “golden hour” (1–3 hours), when survival chances are highest. But in Indonesia’s remote terrain, teams often struggle to reach affected areas in time. While countries like Japan and China use long-range drones, they’re far too costly for Indonesia. From interviews with survivors and responders, I identified two key needs: a faster, more accessible way to deliver first aid to remote, cut-off communities.

How it works

ALBATROSS was designed to meet two key goals gathered from interviews: it had to be both affordable and capable of flying long distances to reach disaster zones. To achieve this, ALBATROSS is built using salvaged drone parts, namely the lithium battery, rotary motor, propeller, camera, and flight control system, fitted into a custom-designed body. Its long-range capability comes from its aerodynamic glider-inspired form, modeled after the albatross bird. With a 3.5 meter wingspan and a unique hollow-body interior airflow system I developed, the design reduces drag and enhances glide time. I worked closely with aerospace engineers from ST Engineering to refine this concept. Air enters through the “cockpit” intake, flows through the hollow body, and is propelled outward by an internal propeller, generating sustained lift. This allows ALBATROSS to stay airborne longer without relying on costly high-powered batteries.

Design process

The mission of ALBATROSS also lies in its ability to carry and deliver life-saving rescue pods. A key challenge was designing these pods to fit seamlessly into the glider’s body without increasing drag. Initial prototypes were rectangular and mounted under the wings, but they disrupted airflow and were too small to hold essential aid. To solve this, I redesigned the pods to match the wing’s cross-sectional shape. This wing-shaped form allowed the glider to remain aerodynamic while increasing internal space. Each wing now holds three pods, six in total, measuring 25 cm wide and 35 cm long. Each pod carries vital medical supplies such as an AED, tourniquets, and burn kits, curated in consultation with Indonesian rescue teams. After further testing and feedback, I learned that rural villagers, many of whom may not be medically trained or language proficient, would be the first to use these pods. To address this, I included a simple illustrated instruction booklet to guide them through the use of each item. Additionally, I integrated a tracking beacon into each pod, allowing rescue teams to locate survivors after the initial delivery.

How it is different

Several features set ALBATROSS apart from other rescue drones. With its glider-shaped body, an interior airflow system developed with engineers, and its use of salvaged drone components, ALBATROSS is designed to be significantly more affordable than existing drones with similar range. It can travel over 100 km and reach intercity disaster zones with ease. Unlike typical drones, ALBATROSS uses a simple bungee system for launch and descends using replaceable parachutes. It requires no manual piloting—users simply input a destination, and ALBATROSS flies there autonomously. More than just delivering aid, it supports rescue teams by mapping routes during its flight. Its onboard camera identifies roadblocks and transmits optimal paths for rescuers. ALBATROSS is built to perform effectively in Indonesia’s disaster response efforts, without requiring complex systems or high funding.

Future plans

ALBATROSS has been proven to work conceptually through calculations with engineers. However, to bring this to reality, it must undergo a series of aerodynamic and airflow tests to fine-tune its performance and validate its systems in real conditions. I am currently seeking funding to support these crucial next steps, which will determine whether ALBATROSS can be built into a working, deployable rescue solution. At the same time, I am working closely with rescue teams in Indonesia to understand how ALBATROSS can be meaningfully integrated into their daily missions, and to estimate how many units would be needed to operate across regions.

Awards

The prestigious Red Dot Design Concept Award was awarded to Albatross, a project I developed for my final year in university. It also earned me First Class Honours with the highest distinction.