It’s time to think more broadly about drone operations now, as the US Coast Guard has announced a program that involves the operation of autonomous, wind and solar-powered drones on the surface of the Great Lakes from May through October this year. According to Monday’s announcement the drones, which were contracted to the Coast Guard to enhance maritime domain awareness, are intended to help “…monitor the Great Lakes, gather critical weather data for emergency response planning, track illicit activity, and keep our maritime borders safe.”
The Coast Guard describes the vessels as “highly visible, equipped with radar, cameras and collision-avoidance artificial intelligence, and monitored 24/7 by human operators who can take manual control if needed.” It added that sail drones are equipped with sensors that are strictly focused on maritime domain awareness, providing critical information on vessel activities, including vessels in distress or conducting illegal operations.
Anyone wishing more information should contact Great Lakes District Public Affairs at (216) 902-6020, or via email at D9PublicAffairs@uscg.mil
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