DronesTesting and demonstrating drones -- and showing what they can do
“Drones” have proven useful both for the military and the public. They can be relatively inexpensive gadgets with a variety of capabilities such as taking aerial photos and video, surveilling, and carrying objects. However, until now, DHS could not evaluate and demonstrate drones in a timely manner because of the lack of a common testing site and high costs. DHS S&T is preparing to integrate drones in DHS’ and other federal agencies’ missions by providing accessible demonstration sites for land- and maritime-based operations.
“Drones” (officially known as unmanned aircraft systems) have proven useful both for the military and the public. They can be relatively inexpensive gadgets with a variety of capabilities such as taking aerial photos and video, surveilling, and carrying objects. However, until now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could not evaluate and demonstrate drones in a timely manner because of the lack of a common testing site and high costs.
The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is preparing to integrate drones in DHS’ and other federal agencies’ missions by providing accessible demonstration sites for land- and maritime-based operations. In the first half of January, professionals from S&T and the United States Coast Guard conducted demonstrations and tests at two sites in Mississippi.
Land-based drone evaluation and training at Camp Shelby
S&T says that it held its first tour at Camp Shelby, Mississippi to show available outdoor space and building facilities for land-based testing and training with drones and robots. This site, available since August 2017 through a contract partnership with the Army National Guard, is intended for DHS components and other federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Coast Guard, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and S&T’s First Responders Group. The cost to conduct tests is low for the agencies, covering only necessary test expenses.
”The Camp Shelby site has villages and rough terrain to use for different types of scenarios,” said Tim Bennett, S&T Program Manager for air-based technologies for land and maritime border security. “Any federal agency that is interested in demonstrating or evaluating, not only drones but also ground robotics, can go there.”
The site is an expansive plot of land spanning 35,000 square acres. It has restricted air space, managed by the Army National Guard who gives permissions for drones at the site.
