Helinet Technologies Implements Surveillance Solution for Texas DPS

  • Jul 17, 2012

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."

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