Lessons from Hurricane Helene: How UAVs Supported Emergency Response in Western North Carolina

The response to Hurricane Helene demonstrated both the challenges and opportunities of using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in disaster management. As a Category 4 hurricane, Helene caused massive devastation across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and other southeastern states, leaving more than 230 dead and causing an estimated $200 billion in damages. The storm’s record-breaking rainfall […]

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B1 Remote ID Beacon becomes first and only Remote ID module approved for DIU’s Blue UAS framework

Pierce Aerospace has achieved a major milestone in the drone industry. That’s because its B1 Remote ID Beacon this month became the first and only Remote ID module selected for the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue UAS Framework.

What’s the big deal about that? For companies seeking products that are secure and made using approved components, this one has an official stamp of approval. Basically, it means this particular Remote ID beacon meets the highest standards of cybersecurity and operational performance. And with it, this level of U.S. federal recognition positions the B1 as the premier solution for government and commercial drone operators looking for NDAA-compliant Remote ID technology.

Related read: Is your drone flight Remote ID compliant? Here are the 4 types of legal drone flights

A first for Remote ID and Blue UAS

B1 Remote ID Beacon
(Photo courtesy of Pierce Aerospace)

The Blue UAS Framework is a critical program that establishes a vetted list of interoperable, NDAA-compliant UAS components and software. It provides government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DOD), with reliable and secure drone technology while reducing procurement and operational risks.

With this selection, the B1 Remote ID Beacon will now begin the NDAA and cybersecurity verification process required to join the Blue UAS Framework Authority to Operate (ATO). The B1’s addition to the program streamlines its acquisition for military and government agencies, ensuring that DOD operators and public safety professionals can integrate the module seamlessly into their operations.

“The B1 Remote ID Beacon is the only Remote ID Module selected for the Blue UAS Framework,” said Aaron Pierce, CEO of Pierce Aerospace in a prepared statement. “The B1’s selection by DIU is an honor, and we look forward to continuing to support our federal, public safety, and professional commercial customers across the country with the new designation as the only Blue UAS Remote ID Module on the market.”

How the Blue UAS Framework selection process works

DIU’s selection process for the Blue UAS Framework was highly competitive, with 369 proposals from companies across the U.S. and 18 other countries. From these, only 23 platforms and 14 unique components were chosen for NDAA verification.

And alas, Pierce Aerospace’s B1 Remote ID Beacon stood out among hundreds of proposals.

Why the B1 Remote ID Beacon stands out

B1 Remote ID Beacon
(Photo courtesy of Pierce Aerospace)

The B1 Remote ID Beacon is a popular Remote ID solution for enterprise and government applications. Its high-performance design has supported national security missions, aided in UAS recovery efforts, and is trusted by everything from public safety agencies to professional drone operators in the film industry.

Some key specs of the B1 Remote ID Beacon:

  • Cable tie mounts for high speed operation
  • 8 hour battery life
  • Compliant with the ASTM F3411-22 standard
  • Designed to not upset anti-collision sensors, including Skydio sensors

One of its standout capabilities is its compatibility with high-speed drones and drones equipped with anti-collision sensors, which traditionally struggle with attached payloads. This versatility makes the B1 an optimal choice for a wide range of applications, from military training exercises to disaster response coordination.

Now the module is among the priciest. It costs $275 (though there are discounts if you order in bulk). Still, that’s far more expensive than something like the $30 Holy Stone FAA Compliant Remote Identification Broadcast Module.

Recreational pilots just seeking to get their camera drone to become Remote ID compliant are likely better off saving their money going with something like that. The B1 Remote ID Beacon from Pierce Aerospace is best for enterprise customers who need to have that Blue UAS stamp of approval.

Enhancing military and disaster response operations

A key advantage of the B1 Remote ID Beacon within the Blue UAS Framework is its ability to enhance military training and emergency response efforts.

“There are numerous use cases for DOD end users to employ the B1 during training and in National Guard missions,” said Pierce. “Blue UAS flown by the DOD don’t always come equipped with Remote ID, which makes training and coordinated flight operations challenging in natural disaster responses. As part of the Blue UAS Framework, the B1 can more easily be acquired to help keep track of drones in training missions and ease coordination in complex airspace for disaster response missions.”

By integrating the B1 Remote ID Beacon, DOD and National Guard operators can squawk Remote ID when required, ensuring compliance with mission parameters while improving airspace awareness and coordination.

About Pierce Aerospace

Pierce Aerospace is an American drone company based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The comapny has been a pioneer in Remote ID technology since 2017, and this latest achievement underscores its leadership in the field. The company plays an active role in shaping the future of drone safety and airspace management through its involvement with key regulatory and industry bodies, including:

  • FAA’s Drone Safety Team
  • ASTM F38 Committee on Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • FAA Detection and Mitigation Advanced Rulemaking Committee

Pierce Aerospace’s Remote ID technology has received national recognition, earning accolades such as Indiana’s Innovation of the Year and first place in Remote ID technology at AUVSI’s Excellence Awards.

“The B1’s addition to the Blue UAS Framework demonstrates our company’s commitment to creating high-quality products and services for our customers,” said Pierce. “Our commitment and insight ensure that we consistently produce the highest quality Remote ID products on the market.”

And this latest news means a big leg up for Pierce Aerospace going forward. Because sure, the integration of the B1 Remote ID Beacon into the Blue UAS Framework will benefit government and military operators. But it also means a likely stronger customer base for the company.

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Teledyne FLIR Introduces Radiometric Thermal Camera Modules for Defense and Industrial Applications

New Boson+ and Hadron 640R+ Cameras Provide Real-Time Temperature Data with Industry-Leading Sensitivity Teledyne FLIR OEM has announced the release of radiometric versions of its high-performance Boson+ thermal and Hadron 640R+ dual thermal-visible camera modules. These new models provide pixel-level temperature measurement, expanding their capabilities for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), security, […]

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FAA Panel at National Public Safety UAS Conference Highlights New Waivers and Process Improvements

At the National Public Safety UAS Conference, hosted by DRONERESPONDERS, a panel of FAA officials provided critical updates on new waivers, regulatory processes, and efforts to improve access to airspace for public safety drone operations. The session, moderated by industry expert Michelle Duquette, a veteran of MITRE Corp’s UAS program, featured insights from Tim Arel, […]

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FAA Chief Operating Officer ATC Highlights Public Safety Drone Advancements at National Public Safety UAS Conference

Key Developments in Public Safety UAS Integration The National Public Safety UAS Conference, hosted by DRONERESPONDERS at Busch Gardens, Virginia, featured a keynote fireside chat between Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, and Chief (Ret.) Charles Werner, Director of DRONERESPONDERS. The discussion underscored the FAA’s evolving approach to integrating drones […]

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Arizona Bill Seeks to Shield Law Enforcement from Liability for Shooting Down Drones Near Border

Ariz. bill would shield police from liability for shooting down drones near border By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill A bill pending in the Arizona state legislation is proposing to grant immunity from liability from any damages caused by a drone falling from the sky after being shot down or disabled by state and local […]

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🎥 Showreel 2024 – Drone-Pictures.com 🎬

Take a look at our annual showcase featuring the most stunning shots captured in 2024, blending aerial and ground footage crafted for our clients. This showreel highlights our expertise and the variety of our services.

For the 14th consecutive year, we are ready to take off and bring your projects to life with breathtaking imagery. 📌 Learn more

https://vimeo.com/1064307630

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Découvrez notre rétrospective annuelle des plus belles images capturées en 2024, mêlant prises de vues aériennes et au sol réalisées pour nos clients. Ce showreel met en avant notre savoir-faire et la diversité de nos prestations.
Pour la 14ᵉ année consécutive, nous sommes prêts à décoller pour donner vie à vos projets avec des images spectaculaires.

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Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 Selected for UK Police Trials

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has selected global manufacturer Schiebel to support its most ambitious trial so far of ‘Beyond the Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft operations. The trial – which, in 2024, successfully achieved a place in the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) BVLOS integration sandbox – will evaluate the feasibility of […]

General Atomics and Radian Aerospace Partner to Advance Next-Generation Aerospace Technologies

– General Atomics Systems Integration and Radian Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance next-generation aerospace technologies and explore broader strategic collaboration, including localization opportunities in the United Arab Emirates . The collaboration will focus on integrating advanced avionics, electrification, and actuation technologies into cutting-edge aerospace platforms, leveraging GA-SI’s expertise in high-performance systems […]

Anduril UK Gets £30M Loitering Munitions Contract for Ukraine from UK Government

UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP visited Anduril, the firm supplying the drones, in Washington D.C. ahead of a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on March 6. The deal follows a meeting of world leaders in London last week, when the Prime Minister and allies agreed it was essential that […]