Vanguard Magazine

ProduCt showCAse Enterprise-grade drones are increasingly used in Public Safety applica- tions such as firefighting, law enforcement, and Search & Rescue, and Gap Wireless is now able to showcase the latest unmanned Aerial Ve- hicle (uAV) technology at industry and customer events across Canada due to receiving a national Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada. The company is a leading distributor of products and services for the mobile broadband & wireless markets and a premiere provider of uAV technology. "We're delighted that Gap Wireless can now showcase vendor partner uAV solutions anywhere in Canada to share latest technology with cus- tomers and prospects, especially in the public safety sector," said Marc Bouvrette, President of Gap Wireless. "In view of the challenges presented by such events as forest fires or rescue operations in rugged terrain, many first responder units are using drones to reduce risk and enhance service." Sam Poulos, Chief Pilot at Gap Wireless, was instrumental in Gap Wireless being awarded the SFOC certificate, expanding authorization beyond the company's previous Ontario certificate. All companies operating commer- cial-level drones must have their SFOC designation in order to fly drones in Canada. Poulos demonstrated drones and sensors in flight at two uAV Operations and Techniques for Public Safety Seminars held in Calgary, Alberta on October 16th and in Mississauga on October 19th. The semi- nars, which featured products from Gap Wireless industry-leading vendor partners DJI Enterprise and FlIR Systems, were presented by Gap Wire- less and DJI Enterprise. Gap Wireless is an Authorized Distributor of DJI drones, and Poulos show- cased the latest uAV aircraft and sensor technology including: • M200 drones designed for use in harsh environments, resistant to high winds, sub-zero temperatures, and protected against inclement weather; • Zenmuse XT2 purpose-built for public safety applications by DJI in col- laboration with FlIR Systems. FlIR thermal imaging cameras enable first responders to see through smoke and underbrush and aid in finding people; • Zenmuse Z30, a DJI sensor that can capture information from an extended range based on a 30x optical zoom, making image data collection signifi- cantly faster and reducing risk for both personnel and equipment. To see the full line-up of uAV Solutions from Gap Wireless, visit www.gapwireless.com/uav-solutions/ or contact quotes@gapwireless.com. Gap Wireless National Drone Flight Certificate Enables Demonstration of UAV Solutions Drones for Canadian Firefighting, Law Enforcement, Search & Rescue a Key Focus www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 23 erful radar systems is smarter and more stealthy and low observable designs, with a heavy emphasis on algorithm- based software, run by advanced hard- ware to augment and eventually replace pilots in the cockpit. The F-35 likely rep- resents the bridge between manned and unmanned fighter aircraft. It's basically a low observable, stealthy, flying super- computer and while it has shown what we are capable of achieving, it has also shown the limitations of human pilots. No pilot aircraft could be built smaller and more agile and capable of handling loads well exceeding double the current human limit. They could also fly perma- nently with need only for refueling. All of these things would push stealth and LO effectiveness even farther. As we move into the 2030s, the combat aerospace landscape will look far different than it does today. We're on the edge of another major technological revolution and it's one that will push us into an age of nanotechnology and unmanned, high- ly intelligent autonomous systems. As ar- tificial intelligence and algorithm-based systems increase in quality and improve the systems they augment, the threat level will grow exponentially. Stealth and LO are the only thing that will ensure our pi- lots are kept safe and capable as we transi- tion to unmanned, autonomous combat solutions. Chris Black has been an avid aviation enthusiast his entire life and is a former Air Cadet with 618 Queen City based at HMCS York. His love for all things avia- tion coupled with missing out on becom- ing a fighter pilot led him to begin writing as a way to share thoughts and ideas with fellow enthusiasts. www.facebook.com/ onfinalblog. AerosPACe The DJI Enterprise Matrice 200 Series is ideal for Public Safety applications. Photo: Gap Wireless

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