The partnership will integrate BRINC’s cutting-edge Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution with Echodyne’s ground-based radars to provide a path for beyond-line-of-sight operations without visual observers.
SEATTLE, 15 August 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BRINC, a pioneer in drone technology for first responders, is proud to announce a partnership with Echodyne, a leader in ground-based radar systems. This collaboration will integrate Echodyne’s advanced MESA® radar technology into BRINC’s purpose-built Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution. The strategic relationship enables a path to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations without visual observers, improved airspace surveillance for safer operations, and lowers the barrier to entry for public safety agencies looking to launch or expand DFR programs.
Echodyne EchoGuard with BRINC Responder in flight
Drone first responder (DFR) systems significantly reduce emergency response times and enable first responders to make more informed decisions. Current FAA regulations require a visual observer on site to monitor flights during drone operations. The visual observer on site requirement limits drones, their flexibility, and response times for emergency response. More importantly, it places an additional personnel burden at a time when public safety agencies across America are understaffed. As evidence of the staffing shortage, the Police Executive Research Forum’s 2023 Police Staffing Study found that police resignations have increased over the past four years, while the number of sworn officers has declined by 5% over the same period.
DFR requires extended range and operation in obstructed and adverse weather environments. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) exemptions are essential for successful DFR implementation. The partnership with Echodyne will provide an additional level of safety and reliability while also providing BRINC’s customers with the ability to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) stringent 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 during emergencies,” said Blake ResnickCEO of BRINC.
Echodyne’s radar systems provide continuous monitoring and real-time data about the drone’s environment, including the position of other aircraft, obstacles and dynamic changes that can occur at any time.
“Echodyne radars have been used for years by UAS centers of excellence as well as in FAA and NASA test programs,” said Just FrankenbergCEO of Echodyne. “DFR represents a unique opportunity to introduce large-scale 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 hardware to send radar readings to an agency’s connected LiveOps account. From LiveOps, agencies can simultaneously
their drone operations, ADS-B data, airspace alerts, weather conditions and radar data. The Echodyne extension provides a comprehensive, all-in-one view of the surrounding airspace and enables automated LiveOps triggers to notify pilots of potential hazards. It also enables automatic landing or rerouting of drones to avoid air traffic.
Interested agencies can work with BRINC to spread the cost of the solution across multi-year contracts, making DFR technology more accessible.
To learn more about BRINC DFR, the first ecosystem specifically designed for emergency calling, please visit: https://brincdrones.com/responder-station/
To learn more about Echodyne’s ground-based radar solution, please visit: https://www.echodyne.com/
Agencies interested in learning more about BRINC DFR and LiveOps can contact BRINC here: https://brincdrones.com/contact-about-your-drone-program/
About BRINC
BRINC is an American developer of public safety technologies. The company is building a connected ecosystem of tools designed to save lives. BRINC manufactures its products in the USA, has R&D and production at one location, and is vertically integrated, meaning the company controls its entire supply chain. Over 500 public safety agencies and more than 10% of SWAT teams in the US use its products to defuse dangerous situations and protect lives. The company is backed by top investors including Sam Altman, Index Ventures, Dylan Field, Elad Gil, Patrick Shanahan, Julius Genachowski, Shyam Sankar, Alexander WangBradley Tusk and Jeff WeinerFor more information, see brincdrones.com.
About Echodyne
Echodyne, the radar platform company, is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced radar solutions for applications in defense, government and commercial markets. The company’s proprietary MESA® (Metamaterials Electronically Scanned Array) architecture is a rare breakthrough in advanced radar technology. Echodyne’s innovative MESA radars use standard materials and manufacturing processes to break the unit cost barriers for high performance radars. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP, exportable, commercial radar with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior performance, unparalleled data integrity and exceptional situational awareness. The privately held company is backed by Bill GatesNEA, Madrona Venture Group, Baillie Gifford, Northrop Grumman and Supernal, among others. For more information, visit: Echodyne.com.
Source: Brinc
