DHS Assesses Fixed-Wing, Multi-Rotor sUAS for Situational Awareness

Jessup, Md.-based UAV Solutions Inc. says two of its small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) were recently deployed in flight demonstrations as part of the Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) Phase II project, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T).

According to the company, the RAPS project was launched to assess the extent to which sUAS can enhance situational awareness in support of border security and law enforcement operations.

The RAPS team is studying fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft with gross takeoff weights of 25 lbs. or under by using performance measures in a variety of simulated but realistic, real-world operational scenarios that focus on the use of sUAS in response to situations where human lives are in imminent danger.

DHS S&T developed a test plan for participants to follow; sample scenarios include emergency response, beacon response, search and rescue, and border surveillance.

During the weeklong event beginning Feb. 21, held at the Ft. Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., UAV Solutions demonstrated the capabilities of the Talon 120LE fixed-wing aircraft and the Phoenix 30 vertical takeoff and landing quadcopter.

“We are developing low-cost solutions that meet the needs of border security operators and law enforcement for scenarios where persistent surveillance is required,” explains Bill Davidson, CEO and chief engineer of UAV Solutions. “All our aircraft platforms can be quickly deployed for instant situational awareness.”