Drone America was recently interviewed by CBS News as part of a multi-series on the drone industry in America. CBS News toured the Drone America facility as well as witnessed a demonstration of the Vyper Adamas V2 vehicle with a Drone America Phoebus MK.III drone mounted on top.
“Having a Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) or Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV) take a drone or a series of drones within range of a disaster is a great asset. For example, the drone spots people in need and then the LSV or FAV vehicle can quickly reach those people and provide emergency medical care from a medical pod on board,” said Nicholas Chapman, CEO of Vyper Adamas Inc.
A major talking point for the interview was the growing fears of privacy concerns and domestic spying.
“I think that with any new industry, people are concerned for safety, security and privacy,” said Mike Richards, President and CEO of Drone America during the CBS New interview. “Our drones are not designed for combat situations or to spy on people. They are definitely designed to provide relief, disaster response and emergency relief. “
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed requirements for privacy for each test site.
According to the FAA Website, “Among other requirements, test site operators will be required to comply with federal, state, and other laws protecting an individual’s right to privacy, have publicly available privacy policies and a written plan for data use and retention, and conduct an annual review of privacy practices that allows for public comment.”
When questioned about the growth of the drone industry, Mr. Richards stated that he sees a huge expansion in the civilian drone market.
“The potential growth is pretty much infinite. It’s almost like the computer industry back in the ‘70’s. In the early days of entrepreneurship,you take something that was used or utilized for the military and transform it into commercial applications such as agriculture and search and rescue. People really need to start viewing this drones as tools.”
