Law enforcement personnel from all over the country recently gathered in the fields of Mississippi to participate in a test and evaluation of a new way to communicate with crowds. The Science and Technology Directorate’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) organized the event, which featured the Bellbird Aerial Communications Platform, a large unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed to provide clearer two-way communication with large groups of people during emergencies.
The Bellbird, developed for S&T’s First Responder Capability program by Cornerstone Research Group (CRG), aims to improve the efficiency and safety of communicating critical emergency information to crowds. Traditional methods such as bullhorns or mounted Long Range Acoustic Devices may only reach a limited section of a crowd, leaving many individuals unaware of important instructions. The Bellbird, equipped with a powerful speaker and microphone, allows for amplified messages to be broadcast to a large audience while enabling individuals to relay information back to responders for enhanced situational awareness.
During the operational field assessment (OFA) at Mississippi State University, law enforcement personnel had the opportunity to test the Bellbird’s maneuverability and usability. Targets were set up at a distance, and each evaluator had the chance to fly the UAS, position it above the targets, and read what was inside each bucket. The goal was to ensure that the drone could effectively deliver clear messages to crowds while maintaining a safe distance from responders.
Brenda Long, a Program Manager in the First Responder Capability program, emphasized the importance of having clear and loud messages to keep both the crowd and first responders safe. The OFA was led by NUSTL Senior Technologist Bhargav Patel, who highlighted the lab’s role in testing and evaluating emerging technologies to determine their effectiveness for first responders in the field.
Participants at the OFA, including law enforcement personnel from various agencies, were impressed by the Bellbird’s potential. Lieutenant Matt Didier from the Seattle Police Department noted the clarity of the messages even in noisy environments, highlighting the drone’s ability to deliver clear instructions while keeping responders at a safe distance from crowds.
NUSTL will issue a report later this year outlining the findings from the OFA, and Long’s team will work on any modifications or fine-tuning recommended by the participants. The ultimate goal is to equip first responders with the necessary tools to enhance public safety during emergencies.
For more information about the Bellbird and S&T’s ongoing research and development efforts for first responders, interested individuals can contact STMedia@hq.dhs.gov. The successful testing of the Bellbird represents a significant step forward in improving communication strategies during emergencies and ensuring the safety of both responders and the public.
