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The National Police Air Service says it is to test out the feasibility of ‘beyond visual line of sight’ drones to support police forces in England and Wales. Working with the National Air Traffic Control Service and the Civil Aviation Authority, NPAS will be able to test out the technology to ensure it meets air regulations and see how it can work alongside existing helicopter capability.
The drones – known as uncrewed aircraft systems or UAS – will be flown by qualified NPAS pilots, supported by highly experienced tactical flight officers. The trials are funded by the Home Office as part of a wider investment into drone technology in policing.
NPAS says that If the concept is proven, the vision is for highly skilled crew members to pilot the uncrewed aircraft from selected NPAS bases, using the experience and expertise of its tactical flight officers “to maximise their effectiveness in delivering successful police operations.”
“As technology advances, so do the opportunities for police air support. The trial will be operating uncrewed aircraft capable of staying airborne for more than six hours and fitted with mission equipment comparable to those on the existing NPAS fleet.
“If trials are successful, this will enable delivery of a very highly capable air support blended fleet of police helicopters, aeroplanes and uncrewed aircraft in future years.”
David Walters, Head of Futures and Innovation, NPAS.
The trials, which are expected to begin in Spring 2025, will be run from an NPAS base in the south west which has been selected for its unique position to operate over water for ‘aircraft shakedown testing,’ and then progress inshore once levels of safety assurance have been met.
NPAS is currently working with BlueLight Commercial to procure a UAS supplier for the trial.
To learn more about how drones are being used in UK policing and fire and rescue services, register to visit The Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where Keith Bennett and Tim Murrell will be speaking on the Technology Main Stage at 1100 on 18 September.