The University of MontanaS Washington Grizzly Stadium recently utilized Elistair’s Orion 2 UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to enhance security for a Guns N’ Roses concert attended by 14,000 fans. This drone operated for an impressive six hours, providing a continuous aerial surveillance feed from its advanced electro-optic and infrared sensors.
Thanks to its dual sensor payload and extended flight capabilities,the Orion 2 was able to conduct a seamless mission from day into night without needing to land. Positioned on a nearby rooftop by Elistair’s partner,CloudCover,the drone offered a constant view of the stadium,including all entry and exit points,vendor areas,parking lots,and even hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.Local law enforcement, university security, and state troopers were present to monitor for any signs of distress or suspicious activity within a three-mile radius of the venue.
Post-concert,the Orion 2,equipped with its infrared technology,played a vital role in ensuring the safe departure of fans and staff,identifying individuals who may have remained in the stadium for evacuation. Throughout the six-hour operation, the drone provided essential support to emergency services, allowing them to maintain oversight of the area and coordinate effectively.
Brad Giffin, Chief of Police at the University of Montana, remarked, “Utilizing CloudCover’s services with Elistair’s tethered drones substantially enhanced our ability to ensure safety at such a large event. The imagery provided by CloudCover greatly improved my situational awareness, enabling me to observe events directly as an Incident Commander and assist my officers without solely relying on radio communications.”
Richard Simpson, Co-Founder of CloudCover and mission commander, added, “Elistair’s tethered systems offer remarkable capabilities for event security personnel, delivering the endurance needed for the entire duration of an event while providing a extensive aerial view of the area.”
Check out the video showcasing the Orion 2’s deployment during the concert below:
