Search & Rescue

Missing hikers found, thermal cameras at night, drones over floodwater — SAR missions, documented.

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Oct 13

Last updated

Video

YouTuber Builds $120 Military-Grade Recon Drone That Streams to Tactical Software Used by U.S. Forces

A popular tech YouTuber has reverse-engineered a $40,000 military-grade reconnaissance drone for just $120.07 using open-source hardware and off-the-shelf components. The DIY system successfully streams live FPV video directly into ATAK—the same tactical mapping software used by the U.S. military—proving that cutting-edge surveillance capabilities don’t require defense contractor budgets. Data Sla

Haye KestelooOct 17

DJI

Westwood Police Thermal Drone Locates Missing Person in Wooded Search and Rescue

A DJI Matrice 4T thermal drone helped the Westwood Police Dept. quickly locate a missing and endangered person in a densely wooded area

Haye KestelooOct 16

Search & Rescue

Get Paid to Fly Drones – Over 25 Jobs for Drone Pilots

So, you’ve got your Part 107 to fly drones commercially, and now you can get paid to fly your drone. Today, we’re diving into over 25 jobs that you can do to make money using your drone. Whether you’re looking for a weekend side hustle, dreaming of launching your own business, or just want to…

Greg ReverdiauSep 30

DJI Mavic 3

DJI Unveils Mavic 3TA Enterprise Drone with Upgraded Thermal Tech

DJI has quietly launched the Mavic 3TA, an advanced thermal variant of its popular Mavic 3 Enterprise series, targeting professionals in search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, and public safety. The drone, introduced in mid-September 2025 without fanfare, features enhanced thermal imaging for sharper detection in demanding environments. This stealthy rollout matters for drone enthusiasts an

Haye KestelooSep 29

Police

Search and Rescue Drone Shot At Twice While Hunting Lost Dogs in Maine

A commercial drone pilot conducting aerial searches for missing pets in northern Maine has been targeted by gunfire twice in recent weeks, with one bullet striking his aircraft—acts that constitute federal crimes carrying potential prison sentences under aviation law. Robert Russell, owner of 2A TAC Drone Services based in Barrington, New Hampshire, was operating his…

Haye KestelooSep 25

DJI

Drone News: DJI Announces Mini 5 Pro, CA Drone Pilot Sentenced, SAR Drone Shot During Flight

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. This week, we cover three important stories: DJI’s expected announcement of the Mini 5 Pro, the sentencing of a drone pilot in California for colliding with a firefighting aircraft, and a search and rescue drone being shot down in Maine. DJI Unveils the Mini 5 Pro As anticipated,…

Greg ReverdiauSep 19

Search & Rescue

Drone Shot in Maine During Search for Missing Dogs Prompts Federal Investigation

A commercial drone operated by 2A Tac Air Services was shot out of the sky in Corinth, Maine, on Tuesday, September 9, while assisting in a search for two missing beagles, according to WMTW. The drone’s operator, Rob Russell, says the incident caused thousands of dollars in damage and threatens his ability to continue search-and-rescue…

Haye KestelooSep 16

Search & Rescue

Russian Drone Incursion Prompts Poland and Latvia to Restrict Civilian Flights

Poland and Latvia have imposed broad restrictions on civilian flights along their eastern borders after about 19 Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace early Wednesday, according to PANSA and Latvian government statements. The measures tighten control over airspace near Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia to protect national security and facilitate NATO operations. The Polish restrictions took…

Haye KestelooSep 11

Search & Rescue

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