Eagle Ray Drone

In the ancient collision of Eurasia and India, the majestic Himalayas rose, standing as the world's tallest mountain range. Fueled by the subduction of the Indian tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, this 2,400 km (1,500 mi) arc, stretching west-northwest to east-southeast, gave birth to iconic peaks like Mount Everest, reaching a towering height of 8,848 meters (29,031.7 ft). Carved by glaciers and swift waters, the Himalayas boast jagged peaks and valleys where winds play with direction.

Within this awe-inspiring landscape, the snow leopards (Panthera uncia), masters of disguise, evolved around 3.9 million years ago from Miacids, a common ancestor of tigers. These regal felines reign over the high alpine regions, stealthily hunting blue sheep, Argali wild sheep, ibex, marmots, pikas, deer, and other small mammals. Despite their resilience in one of Earth's harshest environments, snow leopard populations are dwindling rapidly. Unless urgent measures are taken, these elusive creatures, listed as endangered since 1972, face a grim future. Hunted and poisoned for trophies, fur, and body parts, their prey targeted, and their habitat destroyed by overgrazing, the survival of the snow leopard hangs in the balance. Estimates from 2016 suggest a population ranging from 2,710 to 3,386 individuals in the high mountains of Central and South Asia, though uncertainties persist.

Enter the Eagle Ray, a groundbreaking 21-feet Blended Wing Body Aircraft designed to soar at 20,000 feet above the Himalayas. This drone is a guardian in the sky, patrolling with a watchful eye to protect snow leopards. In the relentless fight against poaching, habitat destruction, and dwindling populations, the Eagle Ray stands as a technological marvel, offering a vigilant and innovative solution to safeguard these majestic creatures and preserve the delicate balance of the Himalayan ecosystem.