Unmanned Aerial Systems
A unique addition to the SMA’s inventory is the EHang EH216. This Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) is capable of electronic vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). The aircraft can carry up to two passengers, reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) at an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), and has a range of approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles). In October 2021, a collaboration between EHang Holding Ltd. and the Cuerpo Nacional de Policía was signed to explore the possibilities of this AAV for use in rescue and security missions, as well as the transportation of prisoners. The first flight by the SMA took place in
78 May/June 2024
December 2022. The project is currently awaiting continuation while the vehicle is in storage at the SMA’s hangar at Cuatro Vientos Airport.
Smaller unmanned aircraft, or UAV/UAS (unmanned aerial vehicles/systems), are becoming more common and often fly over areas where they pose a direct threat to safety. A special unit within the SMA actively monitors legal and illegal drone use above cities. The unit has an advanced monitoring system that can intervene if there is an immediate threat. The unit can disrupt the signal of illegal UAS and even take control completely, and the user can be easily tracked.
Additionally, the unit itself uses UAS resources, increasingly employed for surveillance and reconnaissance, for a more cost-effective alternative to the expensive flying hours of helicopters or planes. Moreover, they can operate more discreetly. It is expected that UAS will gradually take over tasks previously handled by the SMA’s MBB Bo 105 helicopter, which was stationed in Senegal until early January 2023 for patrolling between the mainland and the Canary Islands. Currently, the SMA uses various UAS/drones, including DJI Spark, DJI Phantom 2, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, DJI Inspire, and the DJI Matrice 210.
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