FAA Waiver Allows Campbell PD to Deploy DedroneBeyond for
Drone-Agnostic Day and Night DFR Operations Without a Visual
Observer
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the
global leader in public safety technologies, today announced
that the Campbell Police
Department in California received
a groundbreaking waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations as
part of its Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. This approval
is the first of its kind to include nighttime operations and
allows Campbell Police Department
to fly missions using Dedrone by Axon's cutting-edge DedroneBeyond
technology without the need for visual observers.
Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are changing how
emergencies are handled by providing real-time
situational awareness that improves response times and safety.
With DFR, police can deploy drones as soon as 911 calls are
received, giving them a clear picture of the situation before
officers arrive. Until now, operating drones at night has been
restricted due to visibility issues, limiting the full potential of
DFR programs after dark.
Since starting its DFR program in 2022, Campbell Police Department has used a human
visual observer with a daytime waiver for BVLOS operations. This
has allowed the agency to get critical information from the air,
helping them allocate resources more effectively and improve
safety. With the FAA's latest approval under part 91.113(b),
Campbell Police Department can now
use DedroneBeyond's ground-based detect and avoid system for both
daytime and nighttime operations, removing the need for human
observers and enabling 24/7 drone use.
Acting as the virtual visual observer, DedroneBeyond operates
with a remote pilot from a control center nearby and enables drones
to be rapidly deployed, ascend to an approved altitude of up to 400
feet, and travel the most efficient route to incidents at any time
of day and in any weather. AI-driven sensor fusion technology
safely detects and avoids crewed aircraft without false alarms
interrupting the mission. Once at the scene, the drone can either
land or monitor from a safe and approved altitude.
The Campbell Police
Department's DFR program integrates advanced technology from
leading industry partners, including Dedrone by Axon, Axon Air
Remote powered by DroneSense, and MatrixSpace. This
collaboration gives remote drone operators a unified view for
airspace awareness, deconfliction and mission control.
Chief Gary Berg of the
Campbell Police Department
said: "This FAA approval is a major milestone for our
department and our community. With the ability to conduct drone
operations day or night without the need for visual observers, we
can respond faster and more effectively to emergencies, improving
both officer and public safety. This technology is a game changer
in ensuring we have the tools to support our community when it
matters most."
Aaditya Devarakonda, Chief
Executive Officer of Dedrone by Axon, said: "Dedrone is excited to
partner with the Campbell Police
Department as they take this significant step forward in enhancing
public safety with their DFR program. The FAA's approval for BVLOS
operations is a transformative moment, not only for Campbell PD but
for law enforcement nationwide. We commend the FAA for its
forward-thinking approach to unlock cutting-edge technologies that
enhance safety within the National Airspace System (NAS)."
Axon will be showcasing its latest technology, including
innovative solutions for Drone as First Responder programs, at the
IACP Annual Conference in Boston
from October 19-22. To learn more
about the Intelligence Revolution Axon is leading in public safety,
stay tuned to Axon's blog.
About Axon
Axon is the global technology leader in
public safety, building the operating system of the future through
integrated hardware devices and cloud software solutions that drive
modern policing, defense and enterprise security. Axon's growing
customer base spans international, federal, state and local law
enforcement, fire, corrections, emergency medical services, and the
justice sector, as well as commercial enterprises and
consumers.
Dedrone by Axon is the leader in airspace security, providing a
comprehensive command and control solution that protects against
the rising threat of unauthorized drones while enabling approved
drones to operate. Hundreds of commercial, government, and military
customers rely on Dedrone's autonomous, multi-sensor and
multi-mitigation system for continuous drone monitoring and
defense.
For more information, visit www.axon.com and
www.dedrone.com.
Follow Axon on social media:
- X/Twitter: @Axon_US
- LinkedIn: @Axon
- Instagram: @axon.enterprise
- TikTok: @axon.enterprise
- Facebook: @Axon
Media Contact:
Alex
Engel
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Press@Axon.com
Non-Axon trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Axon and Axon Air are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some
of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more
information visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.
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SOURCE Axon