The skies over Virginia were buzzing recently as S&T and HSWERX collaborated on a groundbreaking project. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flew beyond the visual line of sight, showcasing the next generation of border security technology.
This event demonstrated the powerful potential of public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening homeland security.
The HSWERX and S&T Partnership
In July, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) partnered with HSWERX to bring select industry experts together at the Xelevate airfield in Leesburg, Virginia. The event was designed to test the capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems, focusing on expanding CBP’s situational awareness.
With vast terrain along the U.S. borders to monitor—ranging from mountains to lowlands—CBP requires advanced technology to maintain security and safety.
HSWERX, an innovation hub established under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to accelerate technological development for real-world applications. By working with industry partners, HSWERX identifies cutting-edge solutions, like the UAS systems tested during this two-day event.
“These demonstrations give industry participants an opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge UAS and associated technologies,” said Christina Heard, HSWERX Program Manager.
“More importantly, they enable S&T and CBP experts to evaluate the efficacy of these capabilities and their ability to enhance field operations quickly.”
Testing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Technology
One of the event’s primary objectives was to test BVLOS technology, which allows drones to operate safely even when they are beyond the operator’s visual range. With representatives from CBP and other federal agencies like the FBI and NavalX in attendance, the event highlighted the importance of integrating such advanced capabilities.
Each company had a 90-minute slot to demonstrate their solutions, focusing on the following:
- Radar systems designed to enhance UAS safety
- Infrared and electro-optical cameras for greater visual clarity
Below is an overview of the BVLOS event structure:
Event Details |
Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Xelevate airfield, Leesburg, VA |
| Participating Companies | 8 selected from 22 applicants |
| Duration per Demonstration | 90 minutes per company |
| Key Focus Areas | Detection, tracking, situational awareness |
Expanding Opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships
HSWERX plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between DHS components and the private sector. By providing a platform for collaboration, HSWERX enables quick and efficient development of solutions tailored to specific needs.
Since its establishment in 2021, it has proven effective in delivering technologies, such as those displayed at the BVLOS event, that accelerate DHS missions.
Looking ahead to 2025, HSWERX plans to further engage with innovators by hosting collaboration events that connect stakeholders from:
- Academia and national laboratories
- Private sector experts and non-traditional solution providers
The goal is to identify gaps and create technologies that match DHS requirements quickly and efficiently.
Chase Garwood, Acting Director of S&T’s Office of Industry Partnerships said,
“HSWERX allows S&T to move with a speed and flexibility not typical for a government agency. This structure enables us to solve pressing problems much faster.”
What’s Next: The Road to 2025
The success of the recent BVLOS event is just the beginning. CBP has selected one of the demonstrated technologies to advance through a business-to-business agreement with HSWERX, moving it into the prototype phase.
This phase will involve developing and testing the selected technology under the oversight of HSWERX, with the goal of gaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval.
HSWERX is also planning several initiatives, including informational webinars and assessment events, where end users will evaluate new technologies. These efforts are designed to keep HSWERX and its partners ahead of the curve as they continue to address the evolving challenges of homeland security.
With these partnerships set to expand, the future of U.S. border security looks more secure than ever. By accelerating the deployment of innovative technologies, HSWERX and S&T demonstrate that when the right minds come together, the results are, indeed, out of sight.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Homeland Security – Science and Technology Dept.
