The more we move and fly the more we like it. Long range chemical detection on the move and standoff detection during the flight is where SEC technologies is getting stronger and stronger. November 2019 was particularly significant month for us. Above and beyond other achievements we are proud of one that stands out: Successful trials focused on environmental protection.
Enviro trials were conducted in Slovakia with emphasis on aerial chemical standoff detection. We have used helicopter and were proudly supported by other 3rd party agencies. The more we test here in Slovakia the more I believe this country is just a perfect place for testing technologies. Why? Weather. It was once again ready to push our limits and properly assess our team and first and foremost the standoff detector itself. Hazy and windy day with light freezing rain and low hanging fog were conditions awaiting Falcon 4G. On the ground and in the air. On the top of the weather challenge helicopter added one extra burden. Helicopter type used had one of the exhaust pipes pushing fumes directly in front of the standoff detector. One result of the day was obvious – if You can fly a helicopter You can use an active standoff detector and achieve great results. Another words, weather conditions have firstly challenged the copter before attacking limits of our device. Falcon 4G has stayed true to its reputation of detecting chemicals from the distance in otherwise ugly weather. And not just detecting gasses and vapors but keeping sensitivity untouched without any false alarms. Chemical after chemical rightly identified.
Falcon 4G, mounted in the helicopter, was used as an environmental monitoring system. Standoff chemical detector used here was a version B with gyro stabilized gimbal (pan/tilt platform) and with a new backscattering set developed in 2019. Improved anti-shock & antivibration mount that we have used was developed specifically for aerial chemical survey operation by SEC Technologies construction department. Its newest generation was part of these experiments too. Lasers used that day were latest CO2 lasers that were, as all our lasers since 2016, Class 1. Meaning eye-safe and usable in highly populated urban areas for chemical observation.
Hundreds of trials were conducted over forested areas as well as urban environment. Over twenty test sites were randomly chosen in different parts of the country but with diversity in mind. Different background, various structures and chemical interferes. Reality is more complex than any artificial conditions set in laboratory. We cannot even imagine how would we fake the distance and its complexity in lab. Distance? Maybe. But 5000 meters with each meter throwing a different complication at you. Hardly. Reality juts always bring new unthought of challenges – and we love it. After all – that is where customers use the device. One specific aspect was distinctive. Time is the limiting factor during aerial standoff chemical detection. For operator and for the device itself. User experience. Reaction time. Ability to collect results fast and within a time when observed area is visible and in the line of sight during flight. Always changing background and inability to be ready for what is coming: ideal battleground for a light speed of a pulsed CO2 laser.
Operational mode used was manual and semi-automatic. Data collected over one day are very promising. Speaking of course about additional data related to the flight, vibrations and weather conditions and their correlation with other data sets. Actual standoff chemical detection outcomes are obviously available instantly. Including identified gasses, concentrations and distances.
SEC Team would like to say Thank You for an opportunity to other supporting teams.
