UAS Detection Field Exercise

In spring 2020 the CoE tested and evaluated technology that may be able to detect, track, and identify (DTI) unauthorized drones at wildland fires and other public safety events. The CoE will publish a report after the project is complete.

The CoE tested active radio detection of DJI drones (reading the content of the radio signals), passive radio detection of drone control signals (does not read the content of the signal, only detects it) and active radar detection of drones. The latter two work on any brand drone.

While the CoE gathered scientifically based measurements on detection range using a wide variety of drones in several fuel models and terrains, we believe receiving direct feedback from Wildland and other Public Safety practitioners during actual flight tests is a key factor in the report.  We planned to gather this feedback early this year, but COVID-19 caused us to delay this.  We have arranged with the companies to return equipment for a live CoE field exercise.  We believe a field exercise demonstrating the technology is revealing in a way the numbers do not fully communicate.

At this point, the CoE would like to conduct a UAS detection field exercise in late September or early October to gather your feedback. We understand the coronavirus pandemic impacts everyone and we wanted to know you are comfortable attending an in person field exercise assuming proper social distancing protocols are practiced.

Please click on the link below and complete the survey on your interest and likelihood of attending a drone detection field exercise this fall. The exercise would be conducted outdoors near Rifle, CO to maintain social distancing. The CoE would provide hand sanitizer and masks as necessary.

**The field exercise would be conducted outdoors near Rifle, CO and allow for proper social distancing. The CoE  would provide hand sanitizer and masks as necessary.