Texas DPS Deploys First Helicopter-Mounted Drone Detection System

Eyes in the Sky Get a Major Upgrade: Texas DPS Deploys Advanced Drones Detection

The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, has reshaped industries from cinematography to logistics. As these devices become more accessible and capable, they also introduce complex challenges for public safety. The same drone that can capture stunning wedding photos can also be used to smuggle contraband, conduct illicit surveillance, or dangerously interfere with emergency response aircraft. This dual-use nature has pushed law enforcement agencies to seek new methods for monitoring and securing the low-altitude airspace above our communities.

In this evolving landscape, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has established itself as a formidable leader. The agency operates what is considered the largest law enforcement drone program in the United States, with hundreds of certified pilots and aircraft. In 2023 alone, the program logged over 49,000 flights, tackling missions that ranged from wildfire mapping and crash reconstruction to supporting tactical operations on the border. This extensive experience has given Texas DPS a unique, firsthand understanding of both the potential and the perils of drone technology, positioning them to pioneer the next step in airspace security.

That next step has now been taken. Texas DPS has become the first public safety agency in the nation to deploy a revolutionary helicopter-mounted system capable of detecting not only unauthorized drones but also pinpointing the location of their operators on the ground in real-time. This strategic enhancement to their aerial fleet represents a significant shift from a reactive to a proactive security posture, equipping officers with unprecedented situational awareness and the ability to address drone-related threats at their source.

A New Frontier in Aerial Awareness: The ACUS Technology

The technology at the heart of this advancement is the Airborne Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ACUS), developed by Davenport Aviation. It is the first aircraft-mounted counter-drone system designed specifically with the needs of public safety and law enforcement aviation units in mind. Rather than a one-size-fits-all military solution, ACUS is tailored for integration into existing police aircraft, providing a critical layer of security without requiring a complete overhaul of their operational workflow.

How It Works: From Detection to Geolocation

At its core, the ACUS system functions as a sophisticated passive radio frequency (RF) detection unit. This means it continuously scans the airwaves for the specific command-and-control signals used to operate most commercial and consumer drones. Once a signal is detected, the system alerts the flight crew through their existing onboard multi-functional displays, seamlessly integrating the new data into their mission computer. This provides a 360-degree bubble of awareness around the helicopter, ensuring no unauthorized drone goes unnoticed.

The system’s most transformative feature, however, is its ability to go beyond simple detection. While knowing a drone is nearby is useful, the critical question for law enforcement has always been: who is flying it? ACUS answers this by providing precise geolocation data for both the drone and its ground-based pilot. This capability closes a major intelligence gap, allowing air crews to direct ground units to the operator’s exact location, effectively neutralizing a potential threat before it can escalate.

The integration is designed to be intuitive, allowing flight crews to interrogate and interact with alerts to better understand the airspace around them. This is particularly vital in crowded skies where friendly law enforcement drones, media drones, and civilian drones might be operating simultaneously during a major incident. The system gives officers the clarity to distinguish between legitimate and potentially malicious actors.

“We’re excited to integrate this cutting-edge airborne drone detection system into our law enforcement helicopter operations. It’ll be a game-changer for situational awareness and public safety.”, Marcus Tomerlin, Assistant Chief at Texas DPS.

Strategic Implications for Public Safety and Security

The deployment of ACUS by Texas DPS is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic evolution in how law enforcement protects both its personnel and the public. The system directly addresses some of the most pressing dangers that have emerged in the drone era, providing practical solutions for complex, real-world scenarios.

Protecting Critical Missions and Manned Aircraft

One of the most significant risks is a mid-air collision between a drone and a manned aircraft. Such incidents can have catastrophic consequences, especially during high-stakes operations. A recent event in California, where a drone struck a “super scooper” firefighting plane and forced it out of service during an emergency, highlights the very real danger. The ACUS system serves as a crucial safeguard, giving pilots the advanced warning needed to avoid collisions and maintain safe separation.

This is especially important during disaster response missions, such as hurricanes or wildfires, where the airspace can become congested. Multiple agencies, media outlets, and civilians may launch drones to assess the situation, creating a chaotic and hazardous environment for rescue helicopters and other official aircraft. ACUS allows DPS crews to deconflict this airspace, ensuring their missions can continue without interference. The agency plans to field the system during critical operations like border patrol, criminal surveillance, and disaster response, where mission integrity is paramount.

A Proactive Stance on Emerging Threats

By identifying the operator, the ACUS system allows law enforcement to shift from a reactive to a proactive security model. Previously, dealing with a rogue drone often meant trying to track and capture the device itself. Now, authorities can address the individual in control. This is a fundamental change with broad implications for securing large-scale public events, protecting critical infrastructure, and preventing criminal activities like drone-based surveillance or contraband delivery.

This investment is a logical progression for an agency as deeply involved in drone operations as Texas DPS. Their extensive use of unmanned systems has provided them with an unparalleled understanding of the technology’s capabilities and vulnerabilities. This new counter-drone capability is built on that foundation of experience. As Davenport Aviation is already in discussions with other agencies across the country, the pioneering work being done by Texas DPS may very well set a new standard for airborne law enforcement nationwide.

The Future of Airspace Security

The adoption of the ACUS system by the Texas Department of Public Safety marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to safely integrate drones into society. It represents a powerful new tool for managing the increasingly complex low-altitude airspace, providing a targeted and effective response to potential threats without resorting to more disruptive or destructive measures. The ability to precisely locate an operator fundamentally changes the dynamic of drone security, emphasizing accountability and direct intervention.

As drone technology continues to advance, the systems designed to monitor and counter them will undoubtedly evolve as well. The lessons learned from the deployment of ACUS in Texas will be invaluable, likely shaping the tactics, techniques, and procedures for law enforcement agencies across the nation. This development is a clear signal that the future of public safety requires not only embracing new technologies but also building the sophisticated safeguards needed to manage them responsibly.

FAQ

Question: What is the new technology the Texas DPS is using on its helicopters?
Answer: The technology is called the Airborne Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ACUS), developed by Davenport Aviation. It is an aircraft-mounted system that detects drones and geolocates their pilots.

Question: How does the ACUS system work?
Answer: It uses passive radio frequency (RF) detection to identify the control signals of drones. It then alerts the helicopter crew and provides the precise location of both the drone and its operator on the ground.

Question: Why is locating the drone operator so important?
Answer: Locating the operator allows law enforcement to intervene at the source of a potential threat. This is crucial for preventing illegal activities, ensuring accountability, and neutralizing dangers without having to physically intercept the drone itself.

Question: Is Texas DPS the only agency with this technology?
Answer: Yes, the Texas Department of Public Safety is the first public service agency in the United States to procure and deploy the ACUS system on its aircraft.

Sources: Texas Department of Public Safety