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| Operator flying an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Photo: FAA |
[Avionics Magazine 11-18-2016] The FAA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are in the process of conducting drone-detection research in the vicinity of Denver International Airport for the week of Nov. 16. These tests are part of the FAA’s Pathfinder Program, an initiative launched in July that looks to research ways to detect Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) around airports and areas and critical infrastructure with the aim to create standards for drone-detection systems.
Ultimately, the FAA plans to capture the data and findings from the evaluations and draft recommendations for standards. These standards will guide the selection of drone-detection systems for airports nationwide. The tests in Denver are just one of six technical evaluations scheduled over an 18-month period, according to a statement released by the FAA. Other evaluation sites include Atlantic City International Airport, JFK International Airport, Eglin Air Force Base, Helsinki Airport, and Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport.
The Nevada and North Dakota’s state UAS test sites conducted flight operations for the Denver evaluations alongside industry partners such as CACI International, Liteye Systems and Sensofusion.