The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) is a federal lab within the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate.Located in New York City, NUSTL is the only nationwide lab focused solely on supporting the capabilities of federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial responders to resolve the homeland security mission.Executive SummaryOver the previous years, first responders have actually started integrating small, unmanned airplane systems (UAS) as a resource for a range of operational requirements.
UAS provide first responders with a birds-eye view of their environment and can be outfitted with numerous sensors customized to deal with different applications.
UAS, frequently described as drones, are used by very first responders in support of public security activities such as search and rescue, firefighting, and post-incident reconstruction.From November 18 through 21, 2024, the Systems Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program conducted a functional assessment of Blue Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
The assessment occurred at Bayfront Park and LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.Eight first responders (all experienced remote pilots) from various jurisdictions served as evaluators for this assessment.
Critics evaluated five products: the Ascent AeroSystems Spirit, Freefly Systems Astro, Parrot Drones ANAFI USA GOV, Skydio X10D, and Teal Drones Teal 2.
During three functional scenarios, these products were examined against 15 evaluation requirements on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means the product fulfilled none of their expectations and 5 implies it surpassed expectations.Evaluators concluded that one of the items fulfilled all of their expectations, the Skydio X10D which scored the greatest with a 4.0.
The below table presents the overall ratings along with the category ratings for each product, listed in order from greatest to most affordable overall score.The function of this evaluation report is to offer emergency situation responders with info that will direct their companies in making functional and procurement decisions.
Emergency responder firms need to consider total capabilities, technical specifications, and restrictions of Blue UAS in relation to their agencys functional needs when making equipment choices.
Agencies should also think about impacts connected with integrating devices into their information technology facilities, data management, concept of operations, and upkeep requirements.The full 54-page report can be accessed here.Source: NUSTL