Within the United States, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) fly as “public aircraft” in domestic airspace under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-issued Certificate of Authorization (COA).

The 2012 FAA Reauthorization Bill requires full integration of unmanned aircraft to operate in the airspace by 2015 or earlier. The Insitu ScanEagle® fits in a category of small UAS that are expected to be integrated into domestic airspace by mid-2014. So what seems like cutting-edge UAS operations today will soon be commonplace.

No matter where you are located in North America, you need a proven system to rely on as you begin taking the steps to integrate UAS into your operations, from port and border patrol to public safety and first responders. With hundreds of thousands of operational flight hours, our ScanEagle UAS is proven and reliable.

Our systems are demonstrated in helping to predict nature’s erratic movements, including fires and floods. When you make precise predictions, fewer people are affected and rapid responders can better help those with the greatest need.

Whether it is a wildfire or a controlled burn, uneven terrain makes fires move unpredictably. Firefighters and fire commanders need good eyes on the fire to know what it is doing now. Watching wildfires from manned assets is dangerous, and weather or nightfall often prohibit continuous fire mapping. Without surveillance, dangers are unknown and potential evacuations can be large-scale.

By identifying hot spots and monitoring fire lines and intensity, our ScanEagle helps you make the best decisions.

In 2010 The University of North Dakota’s (UND) UAS Center of Excellence and Insitu conducted aerial flood plain surveillance along the Red River using ScanEagle. In preparation for the flood, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty enlisted the help of UND to monitor rising river levels along the Red River, which threatened communities along the North Dakota and Minnesota border.

The FAA issued a COA permitting ScanEagle to be flown over the flooded area during this operation. UND directed the effort with assistance from an Insitu flight operator team. This was the first time a university and a federal agency collaborated on a project where a UAS was used for flood plain research.

Government agencies and politicians alike recognized this critical need and allowed ScanEagle to fly in the national airspace. Important data were gathered that provided scientists and first responders with real-time imagery of the flood progression, which will help facilitate future flood forecasting, and ultimately will help to protect communities, and above all, lives.

Throughout North America, borders and ports of entry are the entrance and exit points for all conveyances, goods and persons entering or departing a country. Controlling borders and ports of entry is vital to ensure the rule of law and prevent the flow of contraband such as illegal drugs.

For a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the footprint, our UAS provide full-motion video that is superior to many of today’s larger Group 4 systems that are commonly used for border patrol. Our mid-wave infrared imager-configured ScanEagle, also known as NightEagle™, was first fielded in 2009. It delivers daylight-quality video from an infrared imager, and provides exceptional situational awareness at night, at dusk, at dawn and in moisture-laden daylight environments that blind other sensors.

ScanEagle is widely deployed with U.S. Department of Defense and Canadian Forces worldwide. Its versatile and wide-ranging capabilities, including low personnel requirements, portability, runway independence, in-field component replaceability, "persistent stare" daytime and nighttime imagery, and 24-hour flight endurance make it one of the best in-class UAS.

In 2007, Insitu’s ScanEagle became the only small tactical UAS to receive SAFETY Act certification by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Proven in combat. Safe in North America.