During the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period, HTX supported the Singapore Police Force’s resources on the ground by operating long-distance Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for patrolling operations around the industrial areas at Tuas South to ensure security. These autonomous flights enabled long distance and large area patrols, requiring only a very lean team to operate remotely.
Because of HTX’s success, the Home Team is now able to use this technology in areas such as saving lives and protecting properties, and enhancing public safety and security.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight Flights useful for Emergency Services and First Responders
These Beyond Visual Line of Sight flights for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are particularly useful for carrying out patrols and security operations in areas which may be inaccessible or where situations are too risky for manual operations.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) How Kwang Hwee, Director of Operations Department, said, “The Singapore Police Force (SPF) continues to work with HTX and industry partners to embrace new technologies to enhance our operational capabilities. The development of BVLOS drones is the next phase in SPF’s UAV operations. Recently, BVLOS drones have been successfully deployed to complement officers on the ground in various operations.”
They can be used as a first responder to provide a situational picture of an incident site, such as a big-scale or high-security event with large crowds, and for sustained and routine patrols. As videos from the UAVs can be streamed to the Police Operations Command Centre, the Police can rapidly view and assess the situation before deciding on the appropriate resources to send to the ground.
Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, viewed a BVLOS UAV flight demonstration at the Tuas View Fire Station. He said: “This development is a key milestone in the Home Team’s use of cutting-edge technologies to transform the way we operate. HTX and the Home Team Departments must continue to innovate and find ways to harness technology to enhance the Home Team’s effectiveness in keeping Singapore safe and secure.”
Other situations where BVLOS UAVs can play a critical role include the detection of hazardous materials, the monitoring of fire scenes, and the delivery of essential supplies, which can include Automated External Defibrillators (AED) during critical missions like building collapses to help achieve a shorter response time for life-threatening cardiac arrest cases.
The ability to commission BVLOS flights will increase the efficiency of Home Team operations and empower frontline officers to focus on higher-order tasks.
PHOTO: The HTX RAUS team involved in the development of this advanced drone capability: (from left) Vanessia Choo, Low Hsien Ming, Cheng Wee Kiang, Chua Song Heng, Looi Xinglun
(Photo Credit: HTX)