PRESS RELEASE
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Davenport Aviation, a leading supplier of mission-ready aircraft and aviation solutions, has officially launched its newest offering: Airborne Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ACUS) — the first aircraft-mounted counter-drone system designed specifically for public safety and law enforcement aviation units. This cutting-edge technology enables pilots to detect and track unauthorized drones in the airspace around them and identify the drone operator on the ground in real time.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the first agency in the country to procure and deploy ACUS, marking a significant milestone in the future of aerial safety and threat mitigation.
“At Davenport, we take pride in understanding our customers’ needs and delivering cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions. We’re honored that Texas DPS, one of the nation’s leading airborne law enforcement agencies, chose to integrate our ACUS system into their aircraft. Their commitment to advancing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) through emerging technology makes them the ideal partner to field the first ACUS system, and we’re excited to see its impact in real-world operations,” said Scott Smith, Special Projects Program Manager at Davenport Aviation.
Drone collisions with aircraft pose serious risks, often grounding critical missions and endangering lives. In a recent incident in California, a drone struck a “super scooper” firefighting plane responding to a wildfire, forcing the aircraft out of service during an emergency. The drone operator was later charged with violating airspace restrictions (ABC News, 2024).
ACUS directly addresses these challenges by offering:
- 360-degree drone detection while airborne
- Precise geolocation of the drone and its pilot
- Integrated threat alerts for pilots and dispatch teams
- Compact mounting for rotary-wing aircraft
Texas DPS will begin fielding ACUS in several of its rotary-wing platforms, enhancing their operational safety during high-stakes missions such as border patrol, disaster response, and criminal surveillance.
“We’re excited to integrate this cutting-edge airborne drone detection system into our law enforcement helicopter operations. It’ll be a game-changer for situational awareness and public safety,” said Marcus Tomerlin, Assistant Chief at Texas DPS.
Davenport Aviation is currently in discussions with multiple other agencies across the U.S. interested in integrating ACUS into their aviation programs.
For more information, visit www.davenportaviation.com or contact Chris Arnold at carnold@davenportaviation.com.
About Davenport Aviation
Davenport Aviation is a certified HUBZone and woman-owned aviation supplier specializing in the rapid procurement of mission-ready helicopters, aircraft components, and mission equipment for public safety and government agencies. Founded in 2009 and based in Columbus, Ohio, Davenport Aviation delivers high-performance solutions with a focus on speed, reliability, and partnership.