Rail execs are beginning to explore the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a variety of potential applications — including security. More commonly known as drones, these camera-equipped devices can help crews keep closer tabs on tracks and trains from afar.
Because UAVs can move quickly from one place to the next, they offer an advantage over fixed camera systems that criminals can evade.
“An unmanned aerial vehicle could be anywhere anytime, day or night,” said Richard Gent, a retired Naval intelligence officer who now serves as chief executive officer of rail security consulting firm Hot Rail LLC. “You’ve increased the workload for a bad guy or criminal because they don’t know where this thing is.”
Read more from Progressive Railroading.
Related News
- In Loving Memory of Brother Darryl Redmon
- Update Your SMART Union Mobile App Today!
- Alabama Port Authority learns a lesson in solidarity
- In Loving Memory of Donald H. Wolff II
- Railroad Safety Day on the Hill 2025
- Victory in Colorado: SMART-TD Secures Permanent Funding for the Office of Railroad Safety
- Union officers go the extra mile, but Brian McWilliams literally went 65 of them!
- Public Comment of SMART-TD Regarding Tesla’s Special Permit Request for Transporting Lithium Batteries by Rail
- Colorado Transit Worker Safety Bill (House Bill 25-1290)
- Chairman Pauli Announces Retirement, SMART-TD celebrates his career