DeTect coordinated with multiple local agencies to deploy its DroneWatcher® drone and bird detection system during the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show.
Working alongside the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Panama City Beach Police, and the Fire and Beach Safety Departments, the initiative aimed to improve overall safety for beach patrons, law enforcement, and participating pilots. The operation utilized DroneWatcher®, DeTect’s UAS detection and tracking system, integrating radar, radio frequency sensing, and multi-spectral imaging technologies that operated independently or together to provide multi-layered, wide-area airspace monitoring and security.
The system was stationed at Pier Park and manned by DeTect technical staff throughout the event. The configuration included a 7360 True3D radar mounted on a 55-foot trailer, paired with a multi-spectral camera and a BlueHalo Titan SV. This combination enabled operators to detect a broad range of radio frequency signatures and track both commercial and tactical transmitters.
To ensure comprehensive situational awareness, the system also included a Remote ID receiving center and an ADS-B receiver to identify compliant aircraft. All data was funneled into the DroneWatcher® Hub, which provided operators with actionable information and direct system control.
Chief Ray Morgan, Panama City Beach Fire Chief, stated, “The City of Panama City Beach appreciates the tremendous support of the 2026 Gulf Coast Salute Air Show. The safety of the pilots, our residents, guests, and business owners is our number one priority and we’re thankful for the technology that DeTect, Inc. is providing for this world-class event.”
