COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an area where Ohio Department of Transportation traffic cameras are lacking, the state plans to launch a drone to help assist with traffic surveillance.
ODOT announced plans for the $40,000 drone on Thursday, though they have not yet said when it will be flying.
The drone will eventually assist first responders with aerial footage of natural disasters including onboard sensors that could detect radiation or other threats.
The unmanned aerial vehicle, which has a wingspan of 7.5 feet, can travel about four miles. It's managed by the Ohio Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Center whose efforts include aerial photography/Geographic Information Systems (GIS), facility inspections, mapping, emergency management, and infrastructure, construction and traffic monitoring.
“Yes, this is the first drone of its size, in my understanding in the country, to be approved for beyond line of site operations, and the second in the country to fly over people and traffic without a parachute,” said Breanna Badanes, spokesperson for Drive Ohio.
You can read more about ODOT’s drone program here: https://drive.ohio.gov/programs/aam/uas
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