uAvionix has launched Casia G Release 4.0, a software update that introduces nighttime aircraft detection, enabling continuous Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS operations and improving airspace awareness for both commercial and law enforcement use.
Casia G is an advanced ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) system that facilitates both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft detection around the clock. This capability enhances situational awareness, contributing to safer and more effective UAS operations. The latest software upgrade requires no hardware changes, ensuring a seamless transition for current users.
With FAA approval, Casia G’s new nighttime functionality allows Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations up to 400 feet at night. The Fort Wayne Police Department in Indiana is the first to receive authorization, enabling 24/7 BVLOS operations with this software enhancement.
Officer Matt Rowland of Fort Wayne Police Department Air Support Unit, stated, “The ability to safely operate our drones beyond visual line of sight—day and night—significantly improves our ability to respond to emergencies, conduct search and rescue missions, and enhance public safety.”
Key Features of Casia G Release 4.0:
- Nighttime Aircraft Detection: Identifies both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft at distances reaching 16.7 km (10.4 miles), delivering comprehensive 360-degree airspace awareness for nighttime BVLOS operations.
- Enhanced Accuracy and Coverage: When multiple Casia G units are deployed, triangulation technology provides precise data on intruding aircraft, including range, altitude, and GPS location.
- FAA Authorization: The Fort Wayne Police Department is the first to receive approval for using Casia G in nighttime BVLOS operations without the need for visual observers, up to an altitude of 400 feet.
The improvements introduced in Release 4.0 stem from extensive performance testing. Additional FAA approvals for BVLOS operations are currently under review and anticipated soon, further strengthening operational capabilities for both commercial and law enforcement users.
Officer Michael Hickman of Fort Wayne Police Department Air Support Unit, said, “With Casia G’s nighttime detection, our department can deploy UAVs with confidence, knowing we have continuous airspace awareness and compliance with FAA regulations.”
Jason Hardy-Smith, VP of Products at uAvionix, also commented, “With Software Release 4.0, operators can detect aircraft, including small planes and helicopters, up to 16.7 kilometers away at night, significantly expanding operational flexibility and safety for operations. This is crucial for many UAS operations, but especially Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs and Search & Rescue as unfortunately, bad things often happen after dark.”
