MatrixSpace has announced that the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing a responder agency coverage area of 37 square miles monitored by radar sensors instead of humans.
According to the company, the PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs utilizing MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology.
This has also supported the city’s application for an FAA No Visual Observer flight operations waiver to ensure the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.
Leveraging a connected network of MatrixSpace 360 Radars, a single PSPD pilot can remotely operate drones from any of three launch locations.
To further extend operational capabilities, a network of ten MatrixSpace 360 Radar nodes was installed across the city in preparation for two additional PSPD drone launch sites and future cooperation with neighboring public safety agencies.
MatrixSpace Radar is a small, high-performance sensor that offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, including in low light and adverse weather conditions.
The company says its sensors and AI platform facilitate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight operations for first responders and the commercial industry and greater general aviation safety.
The system also provides counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) detection and tracking capabilities.
“Taking this next step with MatrixSpace is a game-changer in terms of the speed, accuracy and efficiency it allows us to protect the Palm Springs public,” said Lieutenant William Hutchinson, Operations Lead at PSPD.
“Removing the need for a visual observer speeds up response time, dispatching drones in immediate response to incoming calls from multiple potential locations.
“Once we have our FAA waiver we can fly BVLOS with just a single operator, with the ability to fly at night and in inclement weather.”
“PSPD is at the forefront of fully utilizing DFR technologies to continually improve its capabilities,” added Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer, MatrixSpace.
“They also have a vision for scaling this beyond what other agencies have implemented, preparing for other operations which improve regional safety and promote economic development.
“We’re excited to provide this kind of scalable technology that unlocks new possibilities both here in the US and beyond.”