uAvionix has unveiled the Casia G Release 4.0, a software update that allows nighttime detection of aircraft and enhances Casia G’s capabilities to support 24/7 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS operations.
Casia G is an advanced ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) system that offers both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft detection 24/7, supporting safer, more efficient UAS operations with situational awareness. The new software upgrade requires no hardware modifications, making it an effortless enhancement for existing users.
The FAA has approved Casia G’s nighttime capability, enabling BVLOS operations up to 400 feet at night. The Fort Wayne Police Department in Indiana is the first to receive this approval, unlocking 24/7 BVLOS operations with the software enhancement.
Officer Matt Rowland of Fort Wayne Police Department Air Support Unit, commented, “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 advancements in Casia G Release 4.0:
- Nighttime Detection: Detects both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft at distances up to 16.7 km (10.4 miles), providing 360-degree airspace awareness for nighttime BVLOS operations.
- Accuracy and Coverage: For operations using multiple Casia G units, triangulation technology provides precise information about the range, altitude, and GPS coordinates of intruding aircraft.
- Regulatory Approval: The Fort Wayne Police Department is the first department to receive approval to use Casia G for nighttime BVLOS operations without visual observers, up to 400 feet.
The advancements in Release 4.0 are the result of rigorous performance testing. Multiple FAA approvals for BVLOS operations are pending and expected soon, supporting the operational capabilities of law enforcement and commercial entities alike.
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 stated, “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.”
