Drone ID tech could solve New Jersey mystery sightings

A recent report suggests Drone Remote Identification systems may help resolve a series of mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, United States.

Yoav Amitai, Chief Executive Officer of drone communications firm Elsight, believes Drone Remote ID, akin to a digital licence plate for drones, could assist law enforcement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and those with the correct technology, in tracing the operator of these unidentified drones. "This technology would enable authorities, or interested parties, to identify drones in flight and the locations of their controllers," Mr Amitai stated.

Drone Remote ID provides essential information, including the drone's serial number, current location, elevation, speed, and also the location of the operator or take-off point. The FAA has mandated that all drones over 250 grams be registered and comply with Remote ID standards by March 2024. However, prior assessments showed only two out of seven manufacturers met these criteria.

The US FAA laws exclude drones utilised by the military or public safety organisations with authorised security stipulations. Mr Amitai commented, "Drone Remote ID technology provides the groundwork for the safety and security foundations required for complex drone operations."

Mr Amitai highlighted that Elsight's Halo product integrates Remote ID technology without affecting the drone's physical specifications like size, weight, or power consumption. "Elsight's Halo connectivity platform also provides remote ID technology and communications required to operate unmanned vehicles beyond the visual line of sight," he explained.

Concerned by the drone incidents in New Jersey, US President-elect Donald Trump has urged the Government to disclose its findings regarding these drone activities. European authorities have also implemented requirements for drone registration and Remote ID, whereas Australia's Department of Infrastructure is still examining the issue.

Mr Amitai stated, "It provides complete compliance with all US FAA and EASA requirements, and the Declaration of Compliance has been accepted by the US FAA." He further announced that Halo enables scaling up necessary drone flights to meet the anticipated rise in drone deliveries globally over the next two decades.

He explained, "Complete connection confidence is a necessary component in flying beyond the visual line of sight for the navigation and safety of unmanned vehicles. In fact, our Halo system has already proven its reliability in extensive use cases around the world in what is known as beyond the visual line of sight or BVLOS flights."

Elsight is partnering with DroneUp, which has recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Part 135 air carrier certification from the FAA, allowing it to conduct drone deliveries using BVLOS in populated areas. This development aims to enhance the capability and scale of drone delivery services in the United States.