Unmanned Aircraft Systems Help Responders in Urban Environments

The Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) recently brought together emergency responders from across the nation to test unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from the Blue UAS Cleared List. By providing an aerial vantage point, and creating standoff distance between responders and potential threats, UAS can significantly mitigate safety risks to responders by allowing them to assess and monitor incidents remotely.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

In November 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) teamed up with Mississippi State University's (MSU) Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, and DAGER Technology LLC, to conduct an assessment on selected models of cybersecure “Blue UAS.” The drones, including models from Ascent AeroSystems, Freefly Systems, Parrot Drones, Skydio, and Teal Drones, are cybersecure and commercially available to assist emergency responders with their public safety operations.

These evaluations were a continuation of previous tests held in rural Texas last June. The overall goal was to assess various capabilities (e.g., camera visual acuity, latency, and command and control link quality) in different geographic settings and terrain.