BRINC has introduced a major update to its drone lineup tailored for police departments. The Guardian model, set to begin manufacturing later this year, incorporates Starlink satellite communication as a standard feature. This marks the initial instance of such connectivity being available in a commercial drone product.
Each Guardian unit can stay airborne for more than sixty minutes and achieve velocities exceeding sixty miles per hour. BRINC positions this drone as the first capable of chasing vehicles during police operations.
The drone is designed to transport various emergency items from its charging station, referred to as a nest. Payload options include flotation devices, automated external defibrillators, epinephrine auto-injectors, and the opioid antagonist Narcan.
BRINC states that the nest can automatically exchange batteries in approximately one minute, minimizing downtime between missions. This robotic system aims to enhance operational efficiency for continuous use.
Imaging capabilities have been significantly upgraded with dual 4K visual sensors. The system provides a total zoom factor of 640x, which BRINC claims delivers clear visuals from distances over a thousand feet.
During a presentation on Tuesday, BRINC founder Blake Resnick described the Guardian as the most advanced drone ever built for emergency response. He emphasized that it competes more directly with police helicopters than any previous drone model.
Resnick also highlighted an integrated siren that operates at 130 decibels. This sound level is comparable to that of a jackhammer or a jet aircraft during takeoff.
