News

23Oct

AeroScope Technology from DJI to Identify and Track Airborne Drones

DJI continues to make moves to address the safety and security concerns of operators. There most recent response? The unveiling of AeroScope. This new product uses existing technology to identify and monitor airborne drones to address safety, security and privacy concerns. AeroScope uses the communications link between a drone and its remote controller to broadcast identification information. This information includes: a registration or serial number and basic telemetry, including location, altitude, speed, and direction.  

New level of accountability?

Police, security agencies, aviation authorities, and additional authorized parties can use an AeroScope receiver to monitor, analyze and act on that information. Currently, DJI is testing AeroScope at two international airports. In addition to the airports, DJI is testing and evaluating its overall performance in other operational environments. “As drones have become an everyday tool for professional and personal use, authorities want to be sure they can identify who is flying near sensitive locations or in ways that raise serious concerns,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President for Policy and Legal Affairs. “DJI AeroScope addresses that need for accountability with technology that is simple, reliable and affordable – and is available for deployment now.” In the beginning of October, DJI demonstrated the system in Brussels, Belgium. The demonstration showed how an AeroScope receiver can immediately sense a drone as it powers on. AeroScope then plot the drones location on a map and displays its registration number. That number functions as a drone license plate equivalent. In the event a drone raises concerns, authorities can use the registration number to determine the owner. In March 2017, in response to growing calls by governments worldwide for remote identification solutions, DJI released a white paper describing the benefits of such an approach to electronic identification for drones.  

Current functionality

AeroScope works with all current models of DJI drones. Analysts estimate DJI drones comprise over two-thirds of the global civilian drone market. Since AeroScope transmits on a DJI drone’s existing communications link, it does not require new on-board equipment or modifications. It also does not require extra steps or costs for drone operators. Other drone manufacturers can easily configure their existing and future drones to transmit identification information in the same way. AeroScope relies on drones directly broadcasting their information to local receivers; not on transmitting data to an internet-based service. As such, it ensures most drone flights are not automatically recorded in government databases. Thus, protecting the privacy interests of people and businesses that use drones. This approach also avoids substantial costs and complexities involved in creating such databases and connecting drones to network systems.  

DJI's regulation vs. privacy balance

DJI is an industry leader in developing safety and security advances. This AeroScope system is consistent with DJI’s problem-solving approach to drone regulation: balancing authorities’ need to identify drones that raise concerns and a drone pilots’ right to fly without pervasive surveillance. The rapid pace of innovation, DJI believes, provides the best means to address new policy concerns. The plan is to include drone identification settings in DJI’s initial drone software. Customers can then choose the content of their drone’s identification broadcast to match local expectations. To protect customers’ privacy, the AeroScope system will not automatically transmit any personally identifiable information until regulations or policies in the pilot's jurisdiction require it. “The rapid adoption of drones has created new concerns about safety, security and privacy, but those must be balanced against the incredible benefits that drones have already brought to society,” said Schulman. “Electronic drone identification, thoughtfully implemented, can help solve policy challenges, head off restrictive regulations, and provide accountability without being expensive or intrusive for drone pilots. DJI is proud to develop solutions that can help distribute drone benefits widely while also helping authorities keep the skies safe.”
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19Oct

U.S. Border Patrol Announces sUAS Pilot Program

The steady advance of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) into real-world environments, continues. In September, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced  a new pilot program. The program, executed by the U.S. Border Patrol, evaluates the use of sUAS within the CPB operational environment. Tests sites, already identified, include three USBP sectors. The program kicks off within the Tucson sector with plans to expand to Rio Grande Valley and Swanton later this year.  

Eyes in the sky

Border Patrol agents will use the remotely piloted sUAS for reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, tracking, and acquisition capabilities. Their primary operational environment is in areas that are difficult to access or otherwise considered too high-risk for manned aircraft or CBP personnel on the ground. “We anticipate the sUAS program to be a valuable tool for Border Patrol’s highly trained law enforcement personnel in securing our borders and helping identify and intercept illicit activity along U.S. borders,” said Carla Provost, Acting Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. “These aircraft will enable Border Patrol agents to surveil remote areas not easily accessible by other means, which is critical to our ability to secure the border," Provost said. "They will also be invaluable for humanitarian missions, aiding in locating individuals in need of medical assistance along inhospitable areas of the border.”  

Border Patrol sUAS program

The pilot program tests the operational effectiveness of three sUAS fixed-wing and rotorcraft: Puma, Raven and InstantEye Quadcopter. All of the sUAS share a few common features deemed vital for operations. Each is portable, easily fitting inside an SUV, highly maneuverable and deploy rapidly. The sUAS pilot features two rotations in each of the three identified sectors. The first rotations began in September 2017. The second starts in January 2018. The aim is to test both hot and cold weather capabilities of the sUAS. CPB will issue a final review late Spring 2018. The review is expected to also include future investment decisions and expansion of the program to other USBP Sectors.  

The End Game

The hope is that the rapid deployment of sUAS will help field agents do their job safely and effectively. The three sUAS models should deliver vital sensory and visual data to agents on the ground. Each model has a proven track record in military operations for surveillance and Force Protection missions. The sUAS program is fully compliant with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, policies and laws. USBP will operationally test the sUAS under an approved Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the FAA and USBP. The MOA in place maximizes risk avoidance to commercial and general aviation traffic in the National Airspace System. All sUAS are to operate under a 400-foot ceiling. In addition, USBP has an approved MOA with CBP’s Air and Marine Operations further addressing operational risk avoidance in day-to-day operations.
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17Oct

FAA Issues Drone Flight Restrictions Over Certain Landmarks

Recently, U.S. national security and law enforcement agencies made a request of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The request? They asked the FAA to use its existing authority to address unauthorized drone operations over Department of Interior (DOI) sites. The FAA's authority comes from Title 14 of the existing Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions”.  

High profile DOI sites

The FAA agreed with the request. As such, in cooperation with the DOI, the FAA now restricts drone flights up to 400 feet within the lateral boundaries of these sites:
  • Statue of Liberty National Monument, New York, NY
  • Boston National Historical Park (U.S.S. Constitution), Boston, MA
  • Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA
  • Folsom Dam; Folsom, CA
  • Glen Canyon Dam; Lake Powell, AZ
  • Grand Coulee Dam; Grand Coulee, WA
  • Hoover Dam; Boulder City, NV
  • Jefferson National Expansion Memorial; St. Louis, MO
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Keystone, SD
  • Shasta Dam; Shasta Lake, CA
 

Restrictions now in place

These new flight restrictions took effect October 5, 2017. As always, there are only a few exceptions that permit drone flights within these restrictions. Operators seeking exceptions must coordinate with the individual facility and/or the FAA. The FAA's online interactive map helps ensure the public is aware of the various restricted flight locations. Additionally, the link to these restrictions is included in the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app. The B4UFLY app should update within the next 60 days to include the new restrictions. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the FAA’s UAS website. Operators in violation of these airspace restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges. This is the first time the agency placed airspace restrictions for unmanned aircraft, or “drones,” over DOI landmarks. The FAA placed similar airspace restrictions over military bases -- which remain in place. The FAA is considering additional requests from vaious federal agencies seeking restrictions using the FAA’s § 99.7 authority.
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16Oct

SBG Systems launches SBG +Services

SBG +ServicesSBG Systems recently announced the launch of SBG +Services. This suite of services is aimed to streamline and enhance utilization efficiency for various SBG inertial sensor users. Primarily geared towards system integrators, SBG +Services seeks to enhance utilization efficiency and provide solutions to common project challenges.  

SBG +Services suite

No matter the size of the budget, everyone wants to save time integrating new equipment into a system. As such, SBG Systems designed three different levels of service to help introduce an SBG inertial sensor to the product…and the team. The first is the +Online Initiation, a two-hour session with an SBG Support Engineer via remote-access software. Next is a +On Demand Training, this in-person training occurs either at the SBG office or at the customer’s location. Finally, +Intervention Day which is a pre-paid day for either training, installation, or on-site support. Find more information about the suite of SBG +Services, here.  

Certify sensor performance

SBG Systems factory calibrates every sensor in dynamics and temperature. A calibration report, certifying performance for three years arrives with the sensor. All SBG inertial sensors feature MEMS technology. This means that there is no need to periodically calibrate the sensors. Yet, some projects require certifications. The Check & Calibration service includes a quality check, a firmware update, cleaning, and, if required, calibration in temperature and dynamics. The certificate arrives with the sensor and guarantees the quality of the sensor data during three years.  

Continuous production

Professionals can face financial penalties if there is interruption in production. By selecting the +Back-Up System service, customers can access a replacement device in the event the original sensor requires factory services - both planned and unplanned.  

Secured budgets

All SBG inertial sensors – Eliipse, Ekinox, Apogee – come with a 2-year warranty. This warranty can extend up to 5 years.
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12Oct

DJI’s Local Data Mode is Ready to Go

local data modeDJI recently released the new Local Data Mode to provide sensitive government and enterprise customers with enhanced data privacy. Local Data mode stops internet traffic to and from its DJI Pilot application. It is available in the DJI Pilot app update on CrystalSky and for select Android tablets.  

Safe and secure?

When Local Data Mode is activated, the app stops sending and receiving any data over the internet. This mode gives operators a level of control and provides added security for sensitive operations. “We created Local Data Mode to address the needs of our enterprise customers, including public and private organizations that are using DJI technology to perform sensitive operations around the world,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs. “DJI is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers’ photos, videos and flight logs. Local Data Mode will provide added assurances for customers with heightened data security needs.”  

Operational drawbacks

Once activated, Local Data Mode adds a level of security as well as some operational drawback. Without connection, the DJI Pilot app cannot detect the location of the user, show the map and geofencing information. This includes No Fly Zone and temporary flight restriction warnings. In addition, operators aren’t notified of firmware updates. Even if Local Data Mode is deactivated, the aircraft continues to store all telemetry data on flight logs. Telemetry data includes: altitude, distance or speed. Also, the SD card stores all photos and videos captured by the user – no matter if Local Data Mode is activated or not. These images are shared only if the user chooses to upload them online to the SkyPixel community, social media or other websites. Features that rely on internet connectivity to enhance and support the safety of operations are unavailable in Local Data Mode. Whether activated or not, Drone operators are solely responsible for the safety of the flight operation.  

Launching Local Data Mode

Drone operators launch Local Data Mode inside the DJI Pilot app. Users select “Activate LDM Mode” and enter a password. To return to internet connectivity, the user goes through the same process to deactivate Local Data Mode. Additionally, new drones must be activated first by logging into the user’s DJI account with an email and a password. To ensure the drone has the latest firmware, users can download and update it while they have internet connectivity before re-activating Local Data Mode. “DJI has moved to address customer needs by developing Local Data Mode to provide enhanced data management options,” said Walter Stockwell, DJI’s Director of Technical Standards. “We are pleased to be able to develop Local Data Mode as part of our drive to advocate for our customers’ interests.” The Local Data Mode feature may not be available in locations where an internet connection is required or highly advisable due to local regulations.  
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10Oct

Coyote UAV recently deployed to track and model Hurricane Maria

Coyote UAVThe scientific community continues its quest to better understand hurricane behavior. Recently, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) deployed six Raytheon Coyote UAVs to track and model Hurricane Maria. The Coyotes flew directly into the storm and provided researchers an unprecedented view of the hurricane. The UAVs launched from a NOAA WP-3D Orion – fondly dubbed the “hurricane hunter”. The Coyote operated in the lower part of the hurricane, an area impossible for manned aircraft to reach.  

Coyote UAV: at your disposal

“Our expendable Coyote UAVs are delivering vital information about these potentially deadly storms; and that can help save lives,” said Dr. Thomas Bussing, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missile Systems. The Coyote gathered and transmitted continuous storm data directly to the National Hurricane Center, all while navigating winds exceeding 100 miles per hour. NOAA scientists hope to gain better understanding of hurricane storm behavior by evaluating the data collected. Researchers can also fly Coyotes throughout the storms, revisiting key locations inside hurricanes to obtain the most robust data possible. The hope is that researchers can use all this data to improve the accuracy of hurricane forecasts.  

History of the Coyote UAV

Developed originally for military use, the Coyote is a small, expendable UAV. It can launch via air or ground and is often deployed in situations that are too dangerous for manned aircraft. It boasts over an hour flight endurance and travels up to 50 miles from its host. The Coyote is just one part of Raytheon’s family of high-tech weather forecasting technology. Additional weather technology includes: the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite instrument aboard NOAA’s Suomi NPP spacecraft, the common ground system for the Joint Polar Satellite System, and the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System – a powerful forecast toolkit that helps meteorologists make sense of the massive amounts of weather data that modern sensors collect.  
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