K2 Unmanned Systems LLC, a Huntington Beach, Calif.-based drone manufacturer and service provider, has released a new law enforcement tactical drone, the Knight Hawk.
According to the company, the commercial-grade unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed with first responder operations and infrastructure inspections in mind. The octocopter features a 5-lb. payload capacity, infrared optics, 30 minutes of flight time, and an encrypted HD video downlink, thanks to a partnership with xG Technology Inc.’s IMT/Vislink brands. The closed-circuit system ensures telemetry data is protected, K2 notes.
“We saw an opportunity to create positive change. Society’s acceptance of drones now opens the door for first responders to use this emerging technology to enhance public safety,” says Jason Kamdar, founder and CEO of K2 Unmanned Systems.
IMT/Vislink’s interoperable encrypted HD video downlink technology, compatible with other types of drone platforms, allows for dual use of current portable and mobile command vehicle downlink receive systems.
John Procacci, vice president of sales for xG Technology, which is based out of Sarasota, Fla., says, “We are pleased to collaborate with K2 on their exciting new drone system. Our mission has always been to provide live, real-time video communications that deliver actionable intelligence from all aerial platforms to law enforcement personnel, and this project with K2 is the latest example. We look forward to working with K2 to ensure that our downlink system delivers maximum situational awareness for use in tactical operations.”
K2 announced the release of the U.S.-made Knight Hawk at the 29th annual APSA Fly-In Training, a private event hosted by the Pasadena, Calif., Police Department to network and train and to display new technologies. The event was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on May 9. K2 says it is now scheduling demos for the new UAV for interested entities.
