FAA Grants Approval for Canadian UAVs’ Sparrowhawk™ Radar in BVLOS Operations
At the Xponential Tradeshow, Booth 3015, Canadian UAVs announced that the US Federal Aviation Management (FAA) has officially approved their Sparrowhawk™ Radar as a Ground-Based Detect and Alert System (GBDAA).
Enhancing Public Safety in Irving, Texas
Located in Irving, Texas, the Sparrowhawk system is pivotal for the local police department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) initiative, enabling efficient drone operations across the city.
Extensive airspace Monitoring
The Sparrowhawk system is strategically positioned to provide airspace surveillance up to 5,000 feet, covering a distance of 12 nautical miles (approximately 23 km). Within this monitored airspace, police utilize ‘drones-in-a-box’ from Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT) based in Arkansas, which can be deployed instantly from various locations throughout the city.
Strategic Location and High Tracking Efficiency
Irving is situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, near one of the busiest airports globally. With a tracking efficiency exceeding 95%, the FAA has recognized Sparrowhawk as a reliable system for situational awareness and tracking of manned aircraft, allowing police drones to operate at altitudes of up to 400 feet.
Progress and global Reach
Designed specifically for detect-and-avoid (DAA) operations,Sparrowhawk’s development commenced in 2016,with its initial BVLOS approval in Canada granted in October 2020. As then, Canadian UAVs and other operators have successfully completed hundreds of BVLOS missions.
The Sparrowhawk system has been deployed in four countries, receiving BVLOS approvals in both Canada and the United States. Ongoing tests with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are part of the Airspace strategy Modernisation Fund’s Project Dragon’s Eye, aiming for similar regulatory approvals.
operational Advantages and future Prospects
John Molberg, VP of Innovation at Canadian UAVs, stated, “Sparrowhawk operates continuously, regardless of weather conditions, and can manage an unlimited number of drones. By establishing an airspace ‘fingerprint’ over time and monitoring real-time activities, operators can respond swiftly, launching the nearest drone to any incident within seconds.”
“The DFR initiative has improved police response times by 300% in the city. We are excited to collaborate with our partners at UVT and the Irving P.D. this year, we expect to conduct over 50,000 BVLOS missions using Sparrowhawk.”
Visit Sparrowhawk at the 2025 AUVSI Xponential Tradeshow
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Sparrowhawk on display at Booth 3015 during the 2025 AUVSI Xponential Tradeshow.
