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In a breakthrough development, an unmanned police helicopter has undergone testing in the UK for the very first time. This remotely-piloted aircraft, larger than the drones currently utilized by police forces, offers an extended range and reduced emissions. The National Police Air Service (NPAS) clarified that this new drone is not meant to replace existing helicopters but rather supplement the fleet for tasks such as suspect searches and locating missing individuals.
David Walters, the head of futures and innovation at NPAS, highlighted the enhanced capabilities of the new drone that allow it to remain airborne for extended periods, ranging from eight to 12 hours. Equipped with the same high-powered infrared camera as traditional police helicopters, the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 has the capacity to operate for up to 12 hours and is anticipated to generate fewer noise complaints due to its quieter nature. Night-time test flights are presently being executed over the Bristol Channel as part of a program funded by the Home Office and monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services.
Mr. Walters elaborated on the potential for a future fleet that combines crewed and uncrewed aircraft, emphasizing the necessity for a mix of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. With 30% of NPAS calls revolving around missing persons searches, the new drone offers a cost-effective solution for such cases. Additionally, the unmanned aircraft boasts a remarkable 90% reduction in emissions per hour compared to crewed aircraft, indicating a positive step towards more sustainable air support strategies. PC Matt Leeding, an NPAS Tactical Flight Officer, affirmed that the integration of drones symbolizes the police force’s adaptation to modern technology while emphasizing the importance of crewed aircraft for specific high-speed pursuits.
Operated by a ground-based pilot with camera support from a police officer, the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) showcases advanced features such as a forward-facing camera and radar for detecting and avoiding other aircraft. Test flights are part of a broader experimental drone trial program that includes initiatives like Amazon deliveries and infrastructure inspections. The Civil Aviation Authority, represented by Sophie O’Sullivan, expressed optimism regarding the potential expansion of unmanned aircraft applications, hinting at collaborations with healthcare providers and infrastructure surveillance projects. While unmanned drones are currently employed by entities like HM Coastguard and the Royal Navy, the introduction of an unmanned police helicopter for residential area surveillance marks a significant milestone. Although test flights are scheduled until October, several years of rigorous testing are anticipated before unmanned aircraft officially join the NPAS fleet
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