UAVs to Replace Coast Guard in its Missions

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The US Coast Guard is checking the possibility of carrying out many of its missions through the use of short-range UAVs, with the aim that missions are developed more quickly, safely and economically efficient.

The Center for Development and Research of the Coast Guard has been evaluating these systems launched manually in the maritime environment over the last few years. Researchers have evaluated these systems in real maritime safety scenarios, analyzing the response to emergencies and to situations of contamination. The lessons learned in the tests will serve to develop the concept of operations for specific missions of the Coast Guard, according to maritimeherald.com.

To help in the incorporation of the use of these drones in the missions, the DHS officials established a terrestrial and maritime training and evaluation program.

The ability to detect anchored rafts by means of an autonomous camera on board with a pre-established schedule was evaluated. The use on board of high definition cameras and multispectral cameras, and detection and localization technologies (Lidar, light detection and ranging) to carry out missions to combat maritime contamination in the future was also analyzed. The study shows that drones can reach the necessary height to provide a better view of the size and trajectory of a spill.

In other legal missions, such as drug interdiction, drones can calculate the number and weapons necessary for the safety of Coast Guard personnel, in addition to obtaining the recording of a chase.

More tests should be carried out in multiple geographic locations since the sensors work differently in other environments.