Innovative Partnership Enhances Maritime Surveillance capabilities

SKYTRAC Systems has joined forces with TerraSense analytics to introduce a cutting-edge solution for Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP), focusing on Maritime and Arctic Intelligence, surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). The collaboration will initially deploy SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 Satcom terminal to equip Transport Canada’s Dash-7 and Dash-8 aircraft with Iridium Certus connectivity, with plans to extend this technology to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the near future.

Advanced Connectivity for Real-Time Data Transmission

With the capability of delivering bandwidth up to 704 Kbps, Iridium Certus connectivity will enable these aircraft to transmit live video feeds, electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) imaging, and other critical data directly to ground stations in real-time. This satellite service operates via a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, offering a compact solution that is considerably lighter and more power-efficient compared to traditional systems.

Seamless Data Integration with MIST Technology

TerraSense will integrate its MIST technology,which efficiently combines,processes,and analyzes data from cameras and sensors with minimal delay. This system will be hosted on the SKYTRAC SDL-350, allowing for real-time processing of EO, IR, ultraviolet (UV), and side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) data. Operators will benefit from live tracking and alert notifications, while analysts can quickly search and retrieve video and metadata from various aerial platforms for post-mission evaluations.

Autonomous Target Detection and Enhanced Surveillance

The collaborative system is designed to autonomously detect and track a wide array of intelligence needs, including monitoring fishing and cargo vessels, naval activities, border security threats, and search and rescue operations. The MIST platform addresses human factors such as fatigue, distraction, and bias, thereby enhancing surveillance capabilities without compromising the well-being of aircrews.

Insights from Industry Leaders

jan van der Heul, Vice President of Sales at SKYTRAC, remarked, “Our partnerships span various aviation sectors that depend on onboard cameras and sensors for ISR applications. through our analysis of different use cases, we recognized that integrating artificial intelligence with live video coudl significantly improve operational efficiency. We view AI as a pivotal technology for the future and are eager to implement these advancements alongside TerraSense.”

Jozsef Hamari, Chief Technology Officer at TerraSense, added, “Our goal was to develop a practical artificial intelligence system capable of enduring the challenges of real-world operations and meeting the demands of highly skilled operators, all while avoiding the steep learning curves associated with older systems.”

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