Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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Bavak first to offer flying security camera solution in the Netherlands

Bavak Security Group, located in Noordwijk, will be the first in the Netherlands to offer an autonomous surveillance drone on a subscription basis as well as for sale. The solution is based on the Skeyetech drone-in-a-box system from the French company Azur Drones, which can be seamlessly integrated into existing security management systems. Interested customers will soon be able to get a demonstration of the system.

Security solutions

Bavak has been offering total solutions in the field of security technology for more than 45 years. From barriers to camera systems, from access control to speed gates, from X-ray equipment to the design of complete control rooms, including all service and maintenance: everything needed to protect infrastructure both physically and electronically is part of Bavak’s service.

Bavak supplies high-security solutions to customers active in the field of vital infrastructure, such as port areas, defense locations, power plants, refineries, but also, for example, to American embassies worldwide. In addition to developing new security solutions, bringing together and integrating different systems into one integrated security concept is central to the service provision.

Drone as a Service

The latest development within Bavak’s services is Drone as a Service (DaaS). Bavak customers will soon be able to purchase an autonomous flying surveillance drone or purchase it on a subscription basis. This includes training, service and maintenance. The basis of the system is formed by a base station, in which a drone is on standby 24/7 to take action routinely or on demand.

The drone can take both optical and thermal images. These are transmitted live to the control room. It is possible to have the drone fly an inspection round independently on an interval basis. The drone can also be directed to a specific location in the event of a disaster. A security officer does not need a drone license to control the system: the drone flies fully automatically.

Proven and safe concept

The Skeyetech system was developed by the French company Azur Drones. The box is weatherproof and carries out a pre-flight check before every flight. The drone can be deployed up to wind force 6-7 Bft. The box is equipped with a charging system so that the drone is automatically recharged after every mission. For safety, the drone cannot go outside a preset geofence. The operator can also pause or abort a mission at any time. The drone itself has been fully developed for this purpose and therefore also equipped with extras such as eight propellers and a parachute in the event of an emergency.

The system has amply proven itself in practice, including in the port of Dunkirk. The system has been successfully in use there above the port area since 2019. Other customers in other countries also use the Skeyetech system, in total thousands of missions have already been performed.

“Game changer”

According to Dennis Kromhout, Business Development Manager at Bavak, the Skeyetech system is a security game changer. “The time factor is essential in incidents and crisis situations. Being able to quickly assess any situation, anytime and anywhere is crucial. This drone can be at the desired location in a few minutes and provides a very valuable vantage point from the air. This enables coordinators / operators to make well-considered choices based on current information. Added to that is the extra dimension that a flying camera can offer.”

Many more possibilities are conceivable in the future. Kromhout: “Initially, the focus is on safety & security. Over time, we want to offer additional applications. Consider, for example, the detection of nuclear radiation or gases. We can also link triggers to an observation based on AI video analysis and through integration with the (Genetec) security management system. For example, it is possible to automatically give a signal if the drone detects that a container is open during an inspection flight over a terminal.”

Authorization and demonstration

In order to be able to use the system at customers in the Netherlands, Bavak has entered into a partnership with the company Public Air Services. As the operator, this company takes care of the flights as well as the application for the required permit to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and provides the necessary training for the personnel who will work with the autonomous surveillance drone. Bavak takes care of the complete integration of the drone with the customer’s security management system.

A demonstration version of the system will soon be made operational at Bavak’s head office in Noordwijk. Interested customers can contact us to make an appointment to come and view the system at our premises”, says marketing manager Martijn Peeters.

Wiebe de Jager

Wiebe de Jager is the founder of Dronewatch (available in Dutch and English). Wiebe is an experienced drone pilot (EASA Specific category certified) and has published a number of bestselling books about drone photography and cinematography.

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