Flying Lion and Iris Automation add airspace awareness capabilities for Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs

BVLOS operations allow for timely response, situational awareness in advance of personnel on scene

Redondo Beach, CA + Reno, Nevada (March 10, 2023) – Drone service provider, Flying Lion, Inc., and safety avionics technology innovator, Iris Automation have entered into a new partnership to provide Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs with enhanced airspace awareness. This partnership will see the addition of Iris Automation’s Casia G ground-based detect and alert system to the Flying Lion suite of services.

With over 22,000 DFR flights logged to date, Flying Lion has vast experience working closely with leading law enforcement agencies to provide rapid emergency response and aerial assessment through DFR program including for Chula Vista PD, Redondo Beach PD, Santa Monica PD, and Beverly Hills PD.

In order to comply with current FAA requirements, Flying Lion and these DFR programs have been utilizing human remote pilots in command (RPICs) and visual observers (VOs) to allow for BVLOS operations in their cities. While this has been necessary to comply with FAA certificate of authorizations (COAs) for these agencies, it is not optimal for ongoing or large-scale DFR operations. DFR programs enable the immediate dispatch of a drone in response to a 911 call for the purpose of real-time aerial situational awareness, in advance of, and to support ground units to enhance community and first responder safety.

With the implementation of Casia G, the next generation of DFR programs will have the capability to create a volume of surveilled airspace to conduct drone operations without the need for human visual observers. Casia G is a small, passive, low-power, weather-hardened device that can be installed anywhere there is a clear view of the sky. This can be a rooftop, street light pole, cellular tower, or other vertical structure. Casia G detects cooperative aircraft using ADS-B and non-cooperative aircraft using Iris’ patented computer vision and artificial intelligence software. Once an aircraft is detected, two concepts of operation are possible:

1. Casia G alerts the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), providing the classification and location of the detected aircraft. The RPIC then initiates an avoidance maneuver and resumes the mission once the detected aircraft is clear of the operational area.

2. Casia G sends an automated collision alert to the uncrewed aerial system’s command software, resulting in the system automatically executing a pre-programmed avoidance maneuver.

Quote from Flying Lion President & Founder, Barry Brennan

“Flying Lion is proud to partner with such a forward-thinking organization as Iris Automation, to provide a safer environment to conduct DFR operations. The Casia G technology for BVLOS drone flights breaks new ground for public safety – it not only saves time and resources but also allows first responders to better protect the communities they serve.”

Multiple Casia G nodes can be deployed to cover any operational area, enabling drones to cover an entire municipality. DFR program managers can then enjoy BVLOS operations of multiple UAS from multiple launch points, enabling minimum response time. In addition, the ability to fly routine BVLOS missions enables the centralized management and operations of the UAS, and integration into 911 dispatch and real-time crime center operations. There are more than 18,000 municipal police departments in the USA, and only 200 of them have access to an aerial asset. BVLOS operation of drones enables the remaining 17,800 departments to not only have access to an aerial asset, but within existing budget constraints – relieving pressure on the human capital in police operations.

Quote from Iris Automation CEO, Jon Damush

“Casia G provides an inexpensive and effective way for customers to take advantage of BVLOS flight through increased airspace awareness without the use of visual observers. The new types of DFR programs are a perfect example, and working with Flying Lion and its incredible work across law enforcement to offer these solutions is an important step.”

Iris Automation and Flying Lion will be exhibiting at the National Public Safety UAS Conference, March 14-15, 2023 in Williamsburg, VA.

About Flying Lion

Flying Lion, Inc. (FLI) is a drone service provider to Law Enforcement, Public Safety Agencies and Municipalities. Founded in 2014, Flying Lion provides on-demand drone air support, training, staffing, and FAA consulting with a specialty in Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations. Flying Lion has conducted over 22,000 DFR missions of which over 10,500 were conducted Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS). www.flyinglioninc.com

About Iris Automation

Iris Automation is dedicated to creating an aviation environment where no two aircraft ever collide in mid-air. We leverage innovative AI-based vision technology that enables uncrewed and crewed aircraft to mitigate the risk of airborne collisions – vital for safe, scalable, and efficient operations across countless industries. Iris’ onboard and ground-based Casia systems give operators the situational awareness and automation needed to safely navigate an increasingly complex and congested airspace. We work closely with civil aviation authorities globally as they implement regulatory frameworks to advance safety and efficiency in aviation. www.irisonboard.com

Follow us:

LinkedIn: @iris-automation

Twitter: @iris_automation

Bloomberg published a terrific article on the Beverly Hills Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program and mentioned Flying Lion multiple times including quotes from our founder Barry Brennan.

Flying Lion’s Brennan says that, during high-risk traffic stops or pursuits, Hawkeye can peer down into the passenger cabin of a car to see if a suspect has a weapon or is hiding evidence within the car.

“That 34% decrease in property crime was “significant,” “That 34% decrease in property crime was “significant,” Stainbrook told CityLab”

Read the whole article here:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-01-19/in-beverly-hills-police-surveillance-technology-takes-off

Flying Lion is grateful for many things this past year:
Flying Lion would like to thank our amazing pilot team who take such good care of our customers.
Flying Lion would like to thank our partners for providing the systems that enable us to create true value to our customers.
Flying Lion would like to thank our customers for allowing us to support them as they fulfill their mission statements:
Redondo Beach Police: to forge a partnership with the community to control and prevent crime, improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and to provide outstanding service in accordance with the values of our agency.
Manhattan Beach Police Department: to protect life, property and liberty while providing excellent service and developing problem solving partnerships within the community.
Hermosa Beach Police Department: we exist so Hermosa Beach can be the safest little beach city through partnerships, integrity, and excellent service.
Chula Vista Police Department: in partnership with the Community, is dedicated to providing community policing, with the highest level of professionalism and transparency.
Palos Verdes Estates Police Department: to provide an assurance of safety, comfort and tranquility to the community; while in this endeavor maintaining the utmost in professionalism, competence, integrity, and discipline.
Santa Monica Police Department: we are dedicated to safeguarding our community by improving quality of life and upholding public trust.
Beverly Hills Police Department: Provide professional and proactive services in partnership with our community.
As you can see, the common theme of our customers’ mission statements is to serve their communities — and we are very grateful serving those who serve.

Barry Brennan
President / Founder at Flying Lion, Inc