Patria Industries sees its eye in the sky as part of future security
MASS (Modular Airborne Sensor System) drones could soon help monitor mass public events
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Within 5-10 years, large public events could be monitored with the help of unmanned aircraft. The MASS (Modular Airborne Sensor System) drones could also be used to find lost mushroom pickers in forests, for instance.
Police could get a bird’s eye view of a hostage situation, and firefighters could get a better idea of the spread of a peat fire, for example. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) could install Geiger counters on the devices.
The Finnish defence materiel manufacturer Patria Industries presented MASS on Tuesday at Jämijärvi Airport. Although the unmanned aircraft have their origins in the military field, there are many types of civilian applications as well. The Defence Forces already have one in use, and Patria hopes for an international market, says the company’s marketing manager Simo Mäkipaja.
Benefits of the device include its light weight, easy use, and versatility. The low sound level can also be useful in some situations.
Mäkipaja believes that private security companies might also be interested in the device. One problem in civilian use could be its price, estimated at EUR 100,000 - 200,000.
Patria has taken part in several bids for tenders, but no takers have appeared yet. Discussions currently involve places in Eastern Europe, as well as some Arab countries. One problem is that the device has not been battle-tested, for example in a place like Afghanistan.
The recent kidnapping case showed that police also have uses for unmanned aircraft in surveillance. In the investigation, the Defence Forces lent police a Ranger surveillance drone to follow events.
The Ranger is less conspicuous than a helicopter, but still requires a large amount of personnel, advance preparations, and a runway. Patria’s MASS can be launched from an area the size of a football pitch, using a rubber sling. The equipment, including the drone, ground bases station, and data transfer technology, weighs a combined 40 kilos and can fit into two backpacks.
When it is slung into the sky, its electric motor kicks in. The optimum altitude is 100 metres, it can operate up to 12 kilometres from the ground station, and it flies at about 60 kilometres an hour.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 24.6.2009 - TODAY |
 Patria Industries sees its eye in the sky as part of future security |
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