UAV & Drones
Texas DPS Deploys First Helicopter-Mounted Drone Detection System
Texas DPS enhances airspace security by deploying ACUS, detecting drones and geolocating operators in real-time for proactive law enforcement.
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
Photo Credit: Texas DPS
UAV & Drones
Mach Industries Wins DIU Contract for RIMES Maritime UAS
Mach Industries awarded a DIU contract to develop the Atlas hybrid-electric UAS for long-range Navy strike missions.
Mach Industries has secured a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) contract to develop a hybrid-electric unmanned aerial system (UAS) capable of launching 1,000-pound payloads over 1,400 nautical miles from United States Navy vessels lacking traditional flight decks.
Announced in a June 16, 2026, press release, the award positions Mach Industries as the aircraft integrator for the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program. The company is partnering with propulsion developer Whisper Aero to deliver the new aircraft, designated as Atlas. The DIU initially published the RIMES solicitation in February 2026 to address the Navy’s need for long-range strike capabilities from expeditionary locations and smaller surface combatants.
Atlas UAS and JetFoil propulsion specifications
The Atlas UAS utilizes a hybrid-electric design intended to operate from unimproved rotary-wing landing zones while maintaining the control simplicity of a fixed-wing aircraft. According to Mach Industries, the platform requires less than half the thrust-to-weight ratio typically needed for vertical flight.
Whisper Aero is supplying its JetFoil propulsion system for the Atlas. The manufacturer states the JetFoil enables 90 degrees of flow turning at 95 percent efficiency, generating a lift coefficient of 40 at 15 knots.
“We developed JetFoil to propel the next generation of conventional, short, and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft silently and efficiently,” said Mark Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Whisper Aero. “With JetFoil, Atlas can effectively meet the needs of the RIMES mission to operate even from Destroyer class vessels.”
Mach Industries President and Chief Strategy Officer Nathan Diller noted the platform is designed to deliver improvements in mission lethality, logistics footprint, acoustic signature, system safety, and energy efficiency.
Expanding distributed maritime lethality
The RIMES program targets a specific operational gap for the Department of the Navy. The military branch requires systems that can execute long-range strikes using standard munitions without relying on aircraft carriers or land-based runways.
Target vessels for the Atlas system include Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Littoral Combat Ships, and future FF(X) frigates. Reporting from Breaking Defense indicates this initiative is designed to counter anti-ship weapons in contested environments by distributing heavy munition launch capabilities across a wider array of smaller ships.
DIU Director Owen West emphasized the economic and tactical drivers behind the program.
“We are determined to dramatically lower our cost-per kill, while reducing our risk to force, replacing warfighters with economical fires and robots,” West stated.
The exact financial value of the DIU contract awarded to Mach Industries was not disclosed in the announcement.
AirPro News analysis
We view the RIMES contract award as a clear indicator of the U.S. Navy’s commitment to distributed maritime operations. By enabling destroyers and frigates to launch 1,000-pound payloads over 1,400 nautical miles, the Navy can significantly complicate adversary targeting. The choice of a hybrid-electric platform is particularly notable. While traditional solid-rocket or turbojet boosters are standard for maritime strike missiles, the Atlas UAS approach suggests a prioritization of acoustic stealth and fuel logistics. If Whisper Aero’s JetFoil system meets its stated efficiency metrics in operational testing, it could validate a new propulsion paradigm for heavy-payload expeditionary drones.
Sources: Mach Industries (via PR Newswire)
Photo Credit: Mach Industries
UAV & Drones
Vigilant Aerospace Completes FlightHorizon PILOT DAA Flight Tests
Vigilant Aerospace tests FlightHorizon PILOT onboard detect-and-avoid system for drones ahead of FAA Part 108 BVLOS rulemaking.
Vigilant Aerospace Systems has completed a series of flight tests and demonstrations for its FlightHorizon PILOT system, an onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology designed for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The June 19, 2026, announcement details a technical milestone for the integration of autonomous drones into national airspace.
The tests, conducted at Oklahoma State University’s Uncrewed Aircraft Flight Station, demonstrated the system’s ability to track aircraft and calculate avoidance maneuvers using a low-power onboard computer. In a press release issued by the company, Vigilant Aerospace positioned the technology as a critical enabler for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations ahead of the FAA’s anticipated Part 108 flight rules.
System architecture and testing parameters
The recent flight tests evaluated two distinct versions of the technology. FlightHorizon PILOT-C is designed for cooperative airspace, utilizing transponders and digital radio receivers to track nearby traffic. FlightHorizon PILOT-M targets non-cooperative airspace by integrating additional sensors, including onboard radar, to detect aircraft lacking active transponders.
The core software is based on two licensed patents from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). During the demonstrations, the system successfully processed sensor data through a single-board computer to execute avoidance maneuvers.
“These most recent flight test milestones provide a path to enabling the industry to execute safe beyond visual line-of-sight flight for both small and large UAS, with fully onboard safety systems,” said Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace Systems.
Development pathway and regulatory alignment
The FlightHorizon PILOT system originated as a military project. Vigilant Aerospace initially developed the technology for the United States Air Force (USAF) under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. The transition to a civilian application received financial support through an Industry Innovation Program grant from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).
The commercialization of onboard DAA systems aligns with shifting regulatory frameworks. The FAA is currently drafting the Part 108 rule, which will establish standardized regulations for BVLOS drone operations in the US. Equipment capable of autonomous collision avoidance is expected to be a foundational requirement for operators seeking certification under the new framework.
AirPro News analysis
The successful demonstration of a low-footprint DAA system addresses one of the most persistent technical bottlenecks in the commercial drone sector. While ground-based radar and observer networks have facilitated early BVLOS waivers, scaling commercial operations requires the aircraft to carry its own separation assurance technology. If the FAA’s upcoming Part 108 rule mandates onboard DAA for specific operational risk categories, systems like FlightHorizon PILOT will transition from experimental capabilities to mandatory compliance equipment. We expect the market for lightweight, multi-sensor DAA suites to accelerate rapidly as the rulemaking process concludes.
Sources: Vigilant Aerospace Systems
Photo Credit: Vigilant Aerospace Systems
UAV & Drones
ERC System Unveils Victor U250 Hybrid-Electric Cargo Drone
ERC System launched the Victor U250 cargo drone at ILA Berlin 2026, targeting 250 kg payload and military logistics gaps.
Munich-based advanced air mobility startup ERC System unveiled the Victor U250, a hybrid-electric heavy-lift cargo drone, at the ILA Berlin Air Show on June 10, 2026. Concurrently, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with defense contractor Rheinmetall and the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia to establish a dedicated production facility for the uncrewed aircraft.
In a press release issued by ERC System, the company detailed that the aircraft is designed to bridge a critical logistics gap for military and disaster-response operators. The platform targets the payload space between small uncrewed aerial vehicles and conventional heavy-lift helicopters, utilizing a hybrid-electric propulsion system that combines infrastructure-independent vertical takeoff capabilities with the speed and range of fixed-wing flight.
Technical specifications and capabilities
The Victor U250, along with its military variant designated the U250-M, is designed with a lift-and-cruise architecture. Key specifications released by the manufacturer include:
- Payload capacity: 250 kilograms (551 pounds)
- Flight range: 300 kilometers (186 miles)
- Cruise speed: 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour)
Reporting by Aviation Week indicates the drone has a wingspan of approximately 8 meters (26 feet) and is sized to fit inside a standard 20-foot ISO shipping container for rapid transportability. The cargo bay accommodates two ISO-standard pallets and features front-loading access with aerial drop capabilities.
ERC System Chief Commercial Officer Maximilian Oligschläger outlined the market rationale to Aviation Week:
“Militaries have identified a gap. There are a lot of drones that can carry 20 kg, and above 500 kg there are helicopters, but there are very few products that can carry 150-300 kg vertically.”
Production scaling and Rheinmetall partnership
To support the industrialization of the Victor platform, ERC System secured a strategic partnership with Rheinmetall. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed alongside representatives from North Rhine-Westphalia, outlines plans to build a manufacturing facility in the region.
In a statement released by Rheinmetall, CEO Armin Papperger noted the agreement lays the foundation for scaling the Victor U250 technologically and industrially within Germany. The planned facility is expected to create a three-digit number of jobs by 2029. Aviation Week reported that the partners aim to scale production to approximately 250 aircraft annually by 2032.
Certification pathway and flight testing
ERC System plans to begin flight testing the first Victor prototype in the third quarter of 2026, with initial deliveries targeted for 2028. The program builds on data gathered from the company’s Romeo flight demonstrator.
According to AIN, the Romeo prototype weighs approximately 2.7 tonnes, making it the heaviest uncrewed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft currently flying in the European Union. The demonstrator has been operating under the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) SAIL III stage established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). ERC System expects additional Victor aircraft to join the flight test program in 2027 to support further EASA SORA approvals, having already applied for a Design Verification Report under the SAIL IV stage.
AirPro News analysis
The launch of the Victor U250 highlights a distinct pivot within the European advanced air mobility sector toward dual-use and defense applications. As capital markets for commercial passenger eVTOLs tighten, startups are finding immediate traction by addressing the tactical logistics requirements of European militaries. By partnering with an established defense prime like Rheinmetall, ERC System mitigates the manufacturing scale-up risks that have historically bottlenecked aerospace startups. This industrial backing positions the Victor U250 as a viable near-term procurement option rather than a distant conceptual project.
Sources: ERC System
Photo Credit: ERC System
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