Elistair has published an article highlighting a demonstration in Malaysia that illustrated how the company’s tethered drone systems can considerably bolster airport perimeter security and serve public safety needs during events like the ongoing global pandemic.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of tethered drone technology in airport security, the Three Tis Group of Companies in malaysia organized a showcase featuring an Elistair tethered UAS (unmanned aerial system) for Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad, which oversees 39 airports nationwide.
The demonstration aimed to execute a practical mission using a DJI Matrice 210 drone outfitted with two distinct payloads: an EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infra-Red) camera for comprehensive surveillance both day and night, and a powerful loudspeaker engineered by the Three Tis team for dialog purposes.
Given that small UAS typically have a flight duration of under an hour, the Elistair tethered drone station extends operational time by providing continuous power, ensuring that operators maintain an uninterrupted surveillance feed. The UAS, connected to the ground station via a Kevlar micro tether, can ascend to altitudes of 100 meters. This tethering also enhances physical security, a crucial factor when conducting drone operations in aviation settings. As a result, operators were able to oversee extensive areas of the airport, including taxiways, dispersals, runways, and terminal buildings, for eight consecutive hours from a secure location.
This demonstration took place shortly before the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic, leading to widespread lockdowns, border closures, and movement restrictions. The event showcased the adaptability of elistair’s tethered drone solutions for public safety. The pandemic has driven authorities globally to adopt innovative technologies like drones; for instance, China and Spain have deployed drone fleets equipped with thermal imaging and loudspeakers to enforce social distancing measures.in Dubai, drones have been utilized to spray disinfectant on streets during nighttime.
Tethered drones are particularly effective for maintaining a constant aerial view of areas prone to gatherings and for monitoring with thermal imaging capabilities. Their extended endurance and elevated vantage points reduce the necessity for frequent patrols, thereby minimizing direct contact between law enforcement and the public.Additionally, these systems can serve as a deterrent by providing a visible presence in the monitored areas.
