Helinet Technologies Implements Surveillance Solution for Texas DPS

The Texas Department of Public Safety has selected Helinet Technologies to develop and implement a microwave downlink and satellite solution for the DPS Aircraft Section's recently acquired Pilatus PC-12 NG Spectre airplane. Helinet Technologies is an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets.

The new system enables the high-altitude Pilatus to transmit real-time surveillance images and data to fixed and portable receive sites around the state and augments the Department's existing helicopter-based video downlink capability, which was deployed by Helinet earlier this year.  Pilatus aircrews can also broadcast the same, live streaming images to anywhere in the world via the system's satellite technology. 

The Pilatus system provides DPS with a long range surveillance solution that can capture actionable intelligence from standoff distances of several miles and enables operators to transmit uninterrupted HD and SD aerial images to multiple agencies and receive sites simultaneously.  Helinet worked closely with the DPS in designing the system, utilizing a custom configuration of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products optimized to support the Department's role serving federal, state and local agencies in a variety of public safety missions.  The system is fully integrated into the Department's overall airborne imaging infrastructure and offers an extremely robust capability that will allow the Pilatus to maintain a continuous, live feed to ground personnel even if the primary microwave receive sites have been disabled; for instance, by a storm or natural disaster. 

"Helinet's work with DPS in developing and supporting our existing microwave downlink capabilities has been superlative," said Tim Ochsner, assistant chief pilot at DPS.  "When the decision was made to add a high-altitude surveillance aircraft to our airborne operations, selecting Helinet to deploy the downlink and the satellite capabilities was an easy call.  We know we can rely on the firm to deliver the best possible solution backed by ongoing training and unparalleled 24/7 service."

The current, multi-ship downlink solution in use by DPS was also designed by Helinet and provides tactical intelligence and enhanced situational awareness for the Department during fast moving operations.  Missions supported include pursuits, search and rescue, disaster response, felony manhunts, aerial surveillance, domestic marijuana eradication and border security operations.

"We are pleased to have been selected by DPS to equip and maintain this new multi-platform video and data solution for the Department's new Pilatus PC-12 NG Spectre," said Ron Magocsi, chief technical officer at Helinet Technologies.  "We look forward to continuing to support DPS as its aviation technology partner."

Featured

  • The Business Case for Video Analytics: Understanding the Real ROI

    For security professionals who may be hesitant to invest in video analytics, now's the time to reconsider. In a newly released Omdia report commissioned by BriefCam (now Milestone Systems), the research firm uncovered a compelling story: more than 85% of North American and European organizations that use video analytics achieve a return on investment within just one year. The study, which surveyed 140 end users across multiple industries, demonstrates that security technology is no longer just for security — it's a cross-organizational tool that delivers measurable business value far beyond traditional safety applications. Read Now

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

  • Study: Only 35 Percent of Companies Include Cybersecurity Teams When Implementing AI

    Only 35 percent of cybersecurity professionals or teams are involved in the development of policy governing the use of AI technology in their enterprise, and nearly half (45 percent) report no involvement in the development, onboarding, or implementation of AI solutions, according to the recently released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • New Report Series Highlights E-Commerce Threats, Fraud Against Retailers

    Trustwave, a cybersecurity and managed security services provider, recently released a series of reports detailing the threats facing the retail sector, marking the second year of its ongoing research into these critical security issues. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3