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The ever-changing needs of public safety require modern and versatile solutions. Among these are UAS programs, which provide agencies of any size with increased capabilities. Fortunately, drone manufacturers have also recognized their potential in public safety and are designing UAS platforms with specifications and features tailored for that role. However, this means that many options are now available, leaving departments to ask, "Which one?"
To answer that question, we've listed some of the best drones for law enforcement operations. We will look at the platforms’ features and describe some of the scenarios for which they are designed. One of these police drones may soon deploy with your agency on regular calls.
The most recent addition to DJI's Enterprise line, the M30T is the optimal combination of flight performance and payload capability.
M30T Overview
Flight time: 41 minutes
Range: up to 15 km (9.3 mi)
Speed: 51 mph
Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 12MP wide camera, a 16x optical zoom camera, a 640p thermal camera, a laser rangefinder
Price: 14,000 USD
Unique features:
The M30T deploys rapidly, making it the optimal platform to support resource-intensive calls like SWAT operations. The flexibility of optical and thermal cameras enhances situational awareness and ensures officers don't meet any surprises. Should the operation last longer, hot-swappable batteries enable rapid relaunch times.
A workhorse of law enforcement UAS programs, the Matrice 300 provides operators with top-of-the-line performance and multiple payload ports for added capabilities.
Matrice 300 RTK Overview
Flight time: 55 minutes (without payloads)
Range: up to 15 km (9.3 mi)
Speed: 51 mph
Payload(s): Zenmuse: XT2, XT S, Z30, H20, H20T, H20N, P1, L1
Price: 14,000 USD
Unique features:
The Matrice 300 is one of the best law enforcement surveillance drones available. Like the M30T, the Matrice 300 is optimized for long-endurance operations and the platform of choice for several Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. With nearly an hour of flight time, decision-makers can count on maintaining a vantage point throughout a hostage crisis or major event. When paired with a tether system, its endurance is almost indefinite. Payload flexibility is a unique advantage as operators are sure their aircraft is properly equipped for the tasks at hand.
Don't let its small size fool you - the M2EA is a powerful platform built for frequent use within public safety operations. Given the popularity and feedback from the field and our own pilots, the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced ranks as one of the best drones in emergency management.
DJI M2EA Overview
Flight time: 31 minutes
Range: up to 10 km (6.2 mi)
Speed: 45 mph
Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 48MP optical camera and a 640p thermal camera
Price: 6,900 USD
Unique features:
Smaller than both of its Enterprise cousins, the M2EA puts thermal imagery in the palm of your hand. Its profile makes it suitable for indoor flight, by which operators can fly in ahead of a SWAT team and clear a building before personnel enter. Furthermore, a small footprint makes it to deploy with a law enforcement patrol car and deploy at vehicle stops, for example.
A direct counterpart of the M2EA, the Autel EVO II Enterprise provides a similar set of capabilities in the same footprint.
Autel EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise Overview
Flight time: 41 minutes
Range: up to 13 km (8 mi)
Speed: 44 mph
Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 48MP optical camera and a 640p radiometric thermal camera
Price: 9,200 USD
Unique features:
The EVO II has a similar mission profile to the M2EA. Portability and rapid deployment place this category of UAVs at the top of the list for quick response platforms. Predictive Target Tracking makes it easier to maintain eyes on a fleeing suspect or vehicle.
The ANAFI USA is made by well-known robotics manufacturer, Parrot, and is equivalent in size to the M2EA and Autel EVO II.
ANAFI USA Overview
Flight time: 32 minutes
Range: up to 4 km (2.5 mi)
Speed: 32.88 mph
Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 21mp wide camera, a 21mp telephoto camera, and a 320p thermal camera
Price: 7,000 USD
Unique features:
While it may be in the same category as the popular M2EA and EVO II, the ANAFI platform stands out for one important reason – it’s Blue UAS compliant. In response to concerns over data leaks, federal legislature has mandated defense and federal law enforcement operators to use UAS made in the United States. Some states, including Florida, are following suit requiring agencies within the state to do the same. Therefore, the ANAFI USA is a capable option for agencies who find themselves under this law.
Teal's Golden Eagle recently joined the Blue UAS list, having met sourcing guidelines set by the DoD. Like the Parrot ANAFI, the Golden Eagle sUAS offers defense operators a secure and portable ISR platform.
Golden Eagle Overview
Flight time: 25 minutes
Range: 3 km (1.86 miles)
Speed: 30 mph
Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized FLIR Hadron 640R hybrid sensor with a 64mp, 4k optical camera, and a 640p thermal camera
Price: Approximately 18,000 USD
Unique Features:
In addition to its hardware capabilities, Teal has also developed a swarm capability in conjunction with Autonodyne. Coined "Four-Ship," this software package enables a pilot to control four Golden Eagles with one controller. The aircraft relay commands to each other and maintain awareness of their position to one another, working in unison to fly in formation. This is incredibly useful for overwatch and decoy tactics as the pilot can view all four streams at once for an unmatched situational awareness.
The right option will be the one that matches your agency’s UAS operational goals. While all aircraft are capable options, some are better suited for specific scenarios than others. That's why a thorough assessment of your needs is critical for making the right decision. If you're interested in any of these platforms or would benefit from a consultation, please contact a FLYMOTION representative directly or visit our website for more information on our product offerings.
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