On October 5th and 10th, PS&S will join several regional participating principals in the first coordinated exercise to utilize Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, as observation and surveillance tools along New Jersey beaches, to test processes, procedures, logistics, communications, and coordination planning during emergency events.

Because of our experience in Air Mobility planning and design since 2019, PS&S Senior Architect and AAM Lead Chuck Clauser was asked by SAAP to participate in these exercises and prepare a white paper for SAAP on how Advanced Air Mobility, which will utilize electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft (eVTOL), would augment the emergency management systems being developed.

The October 5th meeting will discuss the various methods, procedures, logistics, commuication protocols, equipment, and staffing to be utilized during these exercises. On October 10th, the parties will assemble at an Atlantic City beach location to carry out the tests.

Participants in these two Phase 1 exercises include Atlantic City Fire Department, Atlantic City Beach Patrol, Atlantic County OEM’s, Dover Air Force Base officials, National Aerospace Research Technology Park (NARTP), SAAP, and official invited observers.

Planned scenarios will include Distressed Swimmer, Wildlife Monitoring and Shark Patrol, Communications and Public Beach Advisement, and Inter-agency Coordiantaion and Communications. Phase 2 exercises are being planned for late October and next February with the US Coast Guard.

Results will be shared with Fedral, State and local emergency management offices.