Enhanced Safety and Efficiency for Emergency Response
uAvionix, a distinguished provider of command, navigation, and surveillance technologies for drones, announced that the Oswego City Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations without the necessity for Visual Observers (VOs). This approval leverages the uAvionix Casia G ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) system, marking a big advancement in public safety and emergency response capabilities.
A critical element of the Oswego DFR program’s success is the incorporation of uAvionix’s Casia G system. This advanced DAA solution provides essential airspace awareness, enabling protected BVLOS operations. The mixing of Casia G allows drones to operate safely and effectively without human Visual Observers, thereby improving the efficiency of emergency responses.
“We wouldn’t be celebrating this milestone today without the unwavering support of the Mayor and Common Council, whose dedication to public safety has paved the way in which for this groundbreaking initiative. Moreover, our gratitude extends to UVT and uAvionix for his or her invaluable assistance throughout this journey, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving innovation in public safety,” said Chris Baker, Systems Administrator and Drone & Robotics Coordinator for Oswego City, NY.
Jon Damush, CEO of uAvionix, emphasized the broader implications of this achievement: “The achievement marks a pivotal moment for police departments, emergency services, and fire departments nationwide. The usage of our Casia G product in Oswego’s DFR program exemplifies how advanced technology can enhance public safety operations. Future approvals for Police, EMS, and Fire departments adopting the identical approach are expected, paving the way in which for widespread adoption of DFR programs across america.”
DFR programs are transforming emergency response strategies by deploying drones equipped with advanced surveillance and communication technologies. These drones provide immediate situational awareness of incident scenes before officers arrive, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the police response. As an illustration, drones can confirm or refute the possession of a firearm or allow captains to present guidance to junior officers, thereby aiding in additional strategic resource allocation.
uAvionix has been on the forefront of developing revolutionary technologies for the protected integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into national airspace since 2015. The corporate’s acquisition of Iris Automation in October 2023, the unique developer of the Casia G Detect and Avoid system, has further strengthened its offerings for enabling BVLOS operations. These offerings include the Casia G ground-based system, which detects nearby aircraft to make sure protected drone operations, and FlightLine, which collects and displays ADS-B surveillance data.
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