Unmanned Aircraft Systems Help Responders in Urban Environments

The Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) recently brought together emergency responders from across the nation to test unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from the Blue UAS Cleared List. By providing an aerial vantage point, and creating standoff distance between responders and potential threats, UAS can significantly mitigate safety risks to responders by allowing them to assess and monitor incidents remotely.

May 1, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

Bayfront Park provided ideal urban environments for the team to conduct their Blue UAS assessments. (Image: NUSTL)

In November 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) teamed up with Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, and DAGER Technology LLC, to conduct an assessment on selected models of cybersecure “Blue UAS.” The drones, including models from Ascent AeroSystems, Freefly Systems, Parrot Drones, Skydio, and Teal Drones, are cybersecure and commercially available to assist emergency responders with their public safety operations.

These evaluations were a continuation of previous tests held in rural Texas last June. The overall goal was to assess various capabilities (e.g., camera visual acuity, latency, and command and control link quality) in different geographic settings and terrain.

“We flew select Blue List UAS at both Bayfront Park and LoanDepot Park in Miami,” said NUSTL Program Analyst Kris Dooley. “Our goal was to assess their unique technologies and capabilities, and also gauge their suitability for first responder use during damage assessments and situational awareness missions in urban environments.”

A first responder uses a ground control station from a Parrott ANAFI USA GOV drone to observe Bayfront Park while conducting a flyover. (Image: NUSTL)

Responders also assessed how quickly the UAS could be deployed and how well they convey vital information in real time.

“Urban environments can be challenging for first responders using UAS, due to the presence of public transportation, multi-story buildings, increased light pollution, and dense populations. High amounts of radiofrequency noise can also interfere with signals between the drones and their GCS,” Dooley explained.

An MSU SME looks on as an evaluator lands an Ascent AeroSystems Spirit drone in Bayfront Park during a damage assessment scenario. (Image: NUSTL)

Dozens of flights occurred during day and night conditions, and in varying scenarios and environments. Participating first responders tested whether the UAS systems had the capabilities required to help them quickly and accurately survey urban emergency sites for infrastructure damage; identify suspects or victims; and locate safe entry and exit routes for fellow emergency responders.

To assess the UAS in the field, first responder evaluators conducted a series of operational scenarios: post-incident damage assessment, situational awareness, and nighttime operations.

The post-incident damage assessment was meant to simulate a daytime disaster relief operation. For this scenario, first responder UAS operators launched drones from the south side of Bayfront Park. They then flew them to the west side to conduct a damage assessment of an abandoned building, to locate relevant entrance and exit routes, and see if they could pinpoint points of interest in the immediate area. Information regarding site accessibility and potential hazards was relayed to emergency response teams on the ground in real time to ensure their situational awareness and safety.

The situational awareness scenario took place on the north side of Bayfront Park and included its amphitheater.

“This exercise simulated a fly-over that would take place before responders send in personnel to rescue hostages or trapped individuals,” said Dooley. “UAS were flown over the amphitheater and surrounding areas to gather critical information for public safety personnel who were on scene and waiting to respond.”

Evaluators tested the efficacy of the UAS cameras and video feeds to see how effectively first responder operators could assess a hostage situation at the amphitheater. “The operators were tasked with identifying hostages (depicted by mannikins); along with items such as vehicles, signage, and mock weapons, as well as their locations,” Dooley explained.

The night operations scenario took place at LoanDepot Park, kicking off at dusk and continuing well into the evening. To assess the platforms in low light conditions, first responder operators launched UAS from two parking garages on the eastern side of the park and flew them in close proximity to the stadium and surrounding parking garages. They were tasked with assessing and inspecting the retractable stadium roof and associated infrastructure, locating, and identifying pre-designated vehicles that were outfitted with mannikins and mock weapons, and observing scenario participants’ foot traffic around the stadium and nearby plaza to assess thermal capabilities.

“Our responders relied on both the electro-optical and infrared cameras, which are either integrated within or affixed as a payload to the UAS, to thoroughly observe the stadium roof tracks and locate assessment personnel during these exercises,” Dooley continued.

“These test flights play a critical role in helping our first responder UAS operators understand how drones operate in urban settings. The data collected will be a resource for the larger national responder community as they consider acquiring Blue UAS platforms for their agency’s missions.” said Dooley.

A first responder looks at a Teal 2 drone GCS while observing the infield of LoanDepot Park during a night operations scenario. (Image: NUSTL)

Just last month, NUSTL released its Blue UAS for First Responders Market Survey Report. Based on information gathered from manufacturer and vendor websites, and internet research, this report provides guidance for emergency response agencies that are making UAS-related operational and procurement decisions. In the near future, NUSTL will publish four additional reports that address various findings identified during the assessments in Texas and Miami. They will be published on the System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) website, and serve as valuable resources for responders who are interested in purchasing and using these UAS platforms.

This article was written by researchers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate. For more information, visit here .