DJI Spark for Indoor Incident Resolution for SWAT

[shooter]

Hi,

We're in the process of folding use of the DJI Spark into indoor incident resolution policies and procedures for SWAT operations.

Has any other agency done something similar? If so, I'd like to discuss either here or via direct email -- secured via the Entrust encryption service, if needed.

Thanks!

Shooter

 

[PCTyphoon]

We have the Typhoon H which has IPS but I have not tried flying down hallways yet. The Spark is perfect for that. Keep us updated.

 

[shooter]

We have the Typhoon H which has IPS but I have not tried flying down hallways yet. The Spark is perfect for that. Keep us updated.

The Typhoon is pretty big for indoors. I started with the DJI inspire as a "proof of concept" but that was way too big as well. The Mavic was better, but the Spark (at this point) seems to have hit the sweet spot, even with the altitude restriction as we fly it just with the phone.

 

[BigAl07]

Have you considered something more "disposable" for this like a Tiny Whoop?

 

[shooter]

Have you considered something more "disposable" for this like a Tiny Whoop?

Thanks for the info. Nice platform...but, we wanted something that was easier to learn to fly and would be more forgiving to most new guys. The Spark seems to fit the bill. But, hey, I have an open mind.

 

[BigAl07]

Thanks for the info. Nice platform...but, we wanted something that was easier to learn to fly and would be more forgiving to most new guys. The Spark seems to fit the bill. But, hey, I have an open mind.

I fully understand where you're coming from but we teach just the opposite. We earn on the harder ones and then if budget and mission affords we move up to "easier" ones. Keep in mind if the aircraft loses GPS etc inside you need to know how to fly the bird and in tight areas (the turbulence is brutal) this can be a handful.

We have used the Blade Glimpse as a disposable sUAS with good results. You don't have a lot of range but in these situations range isn't usually an issue. If someone swats it down we're only out $100 or so and it broadcasts a WiFi video feed we can all view on our phones.

 

[shooter]

I fully understand where you're coming from but we teach just the opposite. We earn on the harder ones and then if budget and mission affords we move up to "easier" ones. Keep in mind if the aircraft loses GPS etc inside you need to know how to fly the bird and in tight areas (the turbulence is brutal) this can be a handful.

We have used the Blade Glimpse as a disposable sUAS with good results. You don't have a lot of range but in these situations range isn't usually an issue. If someone swats it down we're only out $100 or so and it broadcasts a WiFi video feed we can all view on our phones.

Thanks, I'll have to check that out. Might be a good training platform.

 

[DroneMinnesota]

Yep, my first thought was a tiny whoop, the props are covered and will allow you to bump into things, even fly through small narrow gaps such as a partially closed door. Could even tap the video feed with a large monitor on the outside.

 

[BigAl07]

Yep, my first thought was a tiny whoop, the props are covered and will allow you to bump into things, even fly through small narrow gaps such as a partially closed door. Could even tap the video feed with a large monitor on the outside.

We've flown these things in some crazy scenarios for sure. Flown through a partially open window one time for a simulated hostage situation. Gave the IC a great situational awareness with minimal expense on the line.

 

[DroneMinnesota]

Yeah I bet that would be intense flying those situations for sure!

 

[shooter]

Yep, my first thought was a tiny whoop, the props are covered and will allow you to bump into things, even fly through small narrow gaps such as a partially closed door. Could even tap the video feed with a large monitor on the outside.

What kind of range do you get for the video transmission?

 

[DroneMinnesota]

What kind of range do you get for the video transmission?

With decent gear, could probably clear a 1000-1200 sqf house no problem. I suppose you could beef the camera and vtx up a little bit as well to improve the vtx.

 

[IrishmanPDX]

I've always supported learning on the hardest drones to fly (and they are usually quite cheap). The reason being is it teaches you how to deal with turbulence indoors, no aides in handling so you need to fly manual and get the feel of the drone. Then you can move up the line to something with more automated features but still take over control should you have to (and by that stage you should have mastered flying manual indoors).

 

[DroneMinnesota]

I've always supported learning on the hardest drones to fly (and they are usually quite cheap). The reason being is it teaches you how to deal with turbulence indoors, no aides in handling so you need to fly manual and get the feel of the drone. Then you can move up the line to something with more automated features but still take over control should you have to (and by that stage you should have mastered flying manual indoors).

I am a big fan of that as well, especially learning manual flying in acro etc.

 

[BigAl07]

One reason why we insist on learning on the "hard ones" is because technology fails and when it does it will be at the worst possible moment. If you've never flown in manual/atti mode and it happens unexpectedly it will take time and effort which you probably won't have the luxury of.

 

[shooter]

One reason why we insist on learning on the "hard ones" is because technology fails and when it does it will be at the worst possible moment. If you've never flown in manual/atti mode and it happens unexpectedly it will take time and effort which you probably won't have the luxury of.

Completely understand, and that's how I started off. I'm trying to find the balance between getting these guys stick time and the skill needed in case of system crapout.

I've always maintained that the real mettle and skill of a pilot is really tested when things go wrong...not when everything is working as designed.

 

[BigAl07]

Completely understand, and that's how I started off. I'm trying to find the balance between getting these guys stick time and the skill needed in case of system crapout.

I've always maintained that the real mettle and skill of a pilot is really tested when things go wrong...not when everything is working as designed.

We train LEO to fly UAS and let me tell you we put them through the ringer. They experience as much chaos as we can without actually slapping them in the face while they are flying LOL!

 

[shooter]

We train LEO to fly UAS and let me tell you we put them through the ringer. They experience as much chaos as we can without actually slapping them in the face while they are flying LOL!

Too funny

 

[AH-1G]

"It’s part of the sheriff’s office’s launch of its new aerial response team"......

Polk Sheriff's Office expanding use of drones during emergencies

 

[Okwaho]

ABC actually had a good piece on this, including the use of a Mavic Pro with propeller cages for indoor use. Pretty heavy expense when compared to the tiny whoops though. Indoor bit starts at 44s