Are you familiar with the Coast Guard’s short-range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SR-UAS) program? Launched in 2023, this initiative has certified nearly 500 Coast Guard pilots from diverse backgrounds and roles, supporting over 75 units.
Through the SR-UAS program, districts, programs, and mission sets have attained Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone qualifications. Additionally, the program connects new users with essential resources and information. The SR-UAS team’s efforts and widespread implementation have earned them the Cmdr. Joel Magnussen Innovation Award.
Understanding Short-Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The Coast Guard equips units capable of acquiring these systems with the necessary training and credentials to deploy them in various missions. Currently, the Coast Guard approves two drones: the Skydio X2D and the Parrot Anafi. With an acquisition cost of around $20,000, these drones offer versatile applications, and their potential uses are vast.
SR-UAS – A Force Multiplier
UAS platforms are being utilized across the fleet for numerous mission sets. The following examples highlight some of the most recognized and developed use cases:
- Ports & Waterways Security & Safety: SR-UAS assets offer faster response times than traditional airborne assets and reduce manpower requirements, enhancing operational efficiency. The Domestic Port Security Evaluation Division (CG-PSA-2) uses the Parrot Anafi for aerial photos and videos of critical infrastructure and key resource sites and waterways as part of the Port Security Resiliency Assessment (PSRA) Program.
- Cutter Operations: GM3 Eric Lane believes the UAS program addresses a critical need within the cutter communities. Launching unmanned systems to surveil vessels reduces safety risks to the crew, lessens fatigue, and saves money and resources. For instance, in December 2023, CGC DIXON intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel. They used the UAS to locate jettisoned bales of cocaine from the air.
- Disaster Response: Drones played a crucial role in the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster response, supporting various mission sets. MST1 Claudio Giugliano praised the SR-UAS during the response. “With the imagery I was able to capture daily progressions with the response whether it was buoys being dropped, first cuts, movements of large pieces, hull inspection, boom inspection, pollution inspection, and more. This imagery was also able to provide geographical referenced photos that were meticulously stitched together to update our common operating picture (COP) twice a week pending weather.”
In addition to their numerous applications, SR-UAS platforms address several challenges faced by the Coast Guard. To become more data-driven and forward-looking, the USCG is investing in critical infrastructure updates and new technologies. SR-UAS can lead to significant advances in data collection and future applications.
Image source: Parrot