Unmanned aircraft operating near active incident scenes pose a growing risk to aerial operations and responder safety. A U.S. fire department based in the Hawaiian Islands encountered repeated drone intrusions during emergency deployments, raising serious concerns for helicopter coordination and overall scene management.
To address this challenge, the department field-tested Dronetag RIDER, a compact, mission-ready Remote ID receiver that provides real-time situational awareness of drone activity. The battery powered device mounts directly to tactical gear or vehicle dashboards and begins scanning immediately, requiring no setup, or external infrastructure.
Case Study Overview:
Key outcomes from the field test include:
- Detection of a DJI M30T drone at a distance of over 2 miles.
- Real-time tracking of multiple drones and pilot takeoff positions while in motion.
- Zero-setup deployment, fully operational out of the box.
- Enhanced airspace control during helicopter-supported emergency operations.
- Positive field evaluation from operational personnel with intent to procure.
“The results have been highly accurate in terms of using the RIDER for detection purposes. I am thoroughly impressed with this technology.” – Field Test Lead, U.S. Fire Department.
The department is now planning to integrate multiple RIDER units into its response operations, citing the device’s ease of use, reliability in the field, and its value in enhancing airspace visibility during critical missions.
Download the full case study here (PDF)
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