Guardian drone uses Starlink, battery swaps, supports 60mph pursuits

BRINC has introduced the Guardian drone, a next-generation emergency response drone designed to enhance 911 operations across the U.S. This advanced system integrates Starlink satellite connectivity, enabling reliable communication even in areas lacking cellular coverage—a first for public safety drones. Guardian features long-range capabilities, with an operational radius of up to eight miles and a flight time of up to 62 minutes, more than doubling the range of many existing systems. Its robust design includes IP55 weather resistance and a sophisticated imaging suite with a 4K camera, dual HD thermal zoom cameras, a spotlight, laser rangefinder, and loudspeaker, allowing for effective situational awareness in diverse conditions. A key innovation is the Guardian Station, a robotic base that automates battery swaps, eliminating traditional downtime between missions and enabling continuous, 24/7 drone operations. The system can also adapt to specific emergencies by loading mission-specific payloads such as defibrillators or Narcan before deployment, allowing faster aid delivery ahead of first responders