BRINC, a provider of drone technology for first responders, is partnering with Echodyne, a company that offers ground-based radar systems. The collaboration will integrate Echodyne’s MESA radar technology into BRINC’s purpose-built Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution.

The relationship enables a path toward beyond-visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations without visual observers, advanced airspace awareness for safer operations, and lowers the barrier to entry for public safety agencies looking to start or expand DFR programs.

The Benefits of DFR Systems for Fleets

DFR systems significantly lower emergency response times and enable more informed decision-making for first responders. By giving law enforcement officers and other responders a view of developing scenes before arriving, DFR systems allow them to determine the safest response method.

They also allow first responders to decide whether to deploy additional aid like specialty vehicles.

Aiding in Potential DFR Barriers

Current FAA regulations require a visual observer to be onsite for drone operations to monitor flights. This limits drones, flexibility, and operating times for emergency response operations.

It can also put a strain on staffing when public safety agencies across America are understaffed. DFR requires extended range and operation in obstructed environments and inclement weather.

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 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,” BRINC CEO Blake Resnick said.

Echodyne’s radar systems offer continuous monitoring and real-time data on the drone's surrounding environment, including the location of other aircraft, obstacles, and dynamic changes that can occur at a moment's notice, according to a news release.

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

How the Tech Integration Works

As part of BRINC’s DFR offering, BRINC Integrates Echodyne’s hardware to send radar readings to an agency’s connected LiveOps account. From LiveOps, agencies can simultaneously view their drone operations, ADS-B data — which shows an aircraft's position and identity — 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 rerouting of drones to avoid air traffic.