First responder drone tech specialist BRINC is partnering ground-based radar specialist Echodyne to integrate Echodyne’s MESA radar technology into BRINC’s purpose-built Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution. The relationship aims to lower barriers to entry for public safety agencies looking to adopt or expand use of drones as first responders. It also aims to develop a path to beyond-visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations without visual observers and airspace awareness for safer operations.

Current FAA regulations on drone as first responder systems require a visual observer onsite for drone operations to monitor flights. This rule limits drones’ flexibility and operating times for emergency response operations and adds extra staffing burden when public safety agencies across America are understaffed.

DFR requires extended range and operation in obstructed environments and poor weather. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers are essential for successful DFR implementation. The partnership with Echodyne will add a layer of safety and reliability while providing a path for BRINC’s customers to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for BVLOS operations without a visual observer.

“By combining BRINC’s drone technology with Echodyne’s advanced radar, we are creating a safe, robust, and reliable solution for first responders to deploy 911 response drones autonomously to emergencies,” said Blake Resnick, BRINC CEO.

Echodyne’s radar systems offer continuous monitoring and real-time data on the drones surrounding environment, including the location of other aircraft, obstacles, and dynamic changes that can occur at a moments notice.

“Echodyne radars have been used for years by UAS centres of excellence, as well as FAA and NASA testing programmes,” said Eben Frankenberg, Echodyne CEO. “DFR represents a unique opportunity to introduce widescale BVLOS operations, and radars are the ideal sensor to provide detailed and accurate airspace situational awareness.”

As part of BRINC’s comprehensive DFR offering, BRINC Integrates Echodyne’s hardware to send radar readings to an agency’s connected LiveOps account. From LiveOps, agencies can simultaneously view drone operations, ADS-B data, airspace advisories, weather conditions, and radar data. The Echodyne addition provides an all-in-one view of the surrounding airspace, enabling automated LiveOps triggers to inform pilots of potential dangers. It also enables the automated grounding or re-routing of drones to avoid air traffic.