AST May 2018 Magazine Issue Volume 23 | Page 68

Unmanned aircraft systems ( UAS ), commonly known as drones , have proven useful both for the military and the public .
However , a lack of a common testing site and high costs have hampered the Department of Homeland Security ’ s ( DHS ) efforts to evaluate and demonstrate drones in a timely manner .
Land-Based Drone Evaluation and Training at Camp Shelby
Volume 23
May 2018 Edition
A Coast Guard representative launches the ‘ AeroVironment Puma ’ All-Environment drone during the Singing River Island payload evaluations . DHS and the Coast Guard can use this drone for multiple missions depending on the payload . ( Courtesy of the USCG )

DHS S & T Evaluating Drones for Use by Federal LEO Agencies

Unmanned aircraft systems ( UAS ), commonly known as drones , have proven useful both for the military and the public .
They can be relatively inexpensive devices with a variety of capabilities which includes obtaining aerial photos and surveillance video , as well as transporting a wide range of objects .
However , a lack of a common testing site and high costs have hampered the Department of Homeland Security ’ s ( DHS ) efforts to evaluate and demonstrate drones in a timely manner .
DHS Science and Technology Directorate ( S & T ), Four-Time Winner in the 2017 ‘ ASTORS ’ Homeland Security Award Program , is taking initiative to prepare integrating drones into DHS ’ and other federal agencies ’ missions by providing accessible demonstration sites for both land and maritime based operations .
Professionals from S & T and the United States Coast Guard ( USCG ) conducted demonstrations and tests at two sites in Mississippi during the first half of January .
Land-Based Drone Evaluation and Training at Camp Shelby
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