For the Bangladesh Coast Guard’s procurement of a maritime surveillance system
comprising three drones, each with its own ground control station and associated
accessories, the following options balance advanced features for maritime surveillance,
durability in coastal environments, and reliable after-sales support. These drones are
tailored for governmental and security operations in maritime domains, ensuring
compliance with international standards for Coast Guard use.
1. DJI Matrice 300 RTK (with Zenmuse H20T and Ground Control Station)
Key Features:
Flight Time: Up to 55 minutes
Sensors: Zenmuse H20T (combines thermal, zoom, and laser rangefinder in one unit) and
optional LiDAR
Range: Up to 15 km transmission range
Weather Resistance: IP45-rated, designed for tough environments (rain, wind, dust)
Ground Control Station: DJI Smart Controller Enterprise or DJI Pilot Station, with secure
transmission and real-time data feed
Accessories: Multiple battery packs, rugged case, charger hub, spare propellers
Use Case: Ideal for high-end coastal and deep-sea surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), anti-
piracy missions, and environmental monitoring.
2. Skyfront Perimeter 8
Key Features:
Flight Time: Up to 5 hours (gasoline-electric hybrid system)
Payload Capacity: 2-4 kg, suitable for advanced EO/IR cameras
Range: 100 km mission range, excellent for long-range coastal surveillance
Weather Resistance: Robust construction for harsh maritime environments
Ground Control Station: Customizable mission planning and control station with real-time
tracking
Accessories: Spare fuel tanks, long-range communications equipment, rugged cases
Use Case: Ideal for patrolling the extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), border protection,
and long-duration missions requiring high endurance.
3. Schiebel Camcopter S-100
Key Features:
Flight Time: Up to 6 hours
Payload Capacity: Up to 50 kg, supporting maritime radar, EO/IR sensors, and AIS (Automatic
Identification System)
Weather Resistance: Designed for operation in all maritime conditions, including high winds and
sea spray
Ground Control Station: Fully integrated control and data management station, with satellite
communications for long-range operations
Accessories: VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) setup, spare parts, additional sensor
modules, maintenance kits
Use Case: Military-grade surveillance, monitoring EEZs, anti-smuggling, SAR, and ship-based
operations.
4. AeroVironment Puma 3 AE (with Ground Control Station)
Key Features:
Flight Time: 2.5 hours
Sensors: Dual EO/IR stabilized camera system with long-range zoom and thermal capabilities
Launch and Recovery: Hand-launched, water landing capable
Ground Control Station: Rugged, portable GCS with real-time data and mission planning
software
Accessories: Additional batteries, quick assembly/replacement parts, rugged carry cases, antennas
for enhanced range
Use Case: Suitable for coastal patrols, environmental monitoring, and SAR missions in coastal
waters.
5. Threod EOS C VTOL (with Ground Control Station)
Key Features:
Flight Time: Up to 7 hours
Sensors: EO/IR payloads with real-time imaging, 360-degree scanning, and multi-sensor options
(radar integration)
Range: Up to 50 km
VTOL Capability: Enables launch from moving vessels or remote areas without runway
requirements
Ground Control Station: Multi-role GCS with secure communications, designed for ship-based
operations
Accessories: Spare batteries, rotors, robust transport cases, marine-adapted antennas
Use Case: Best for patrols, SAR, ship-based surveillance, and dynamic mission needs requiring
flexibility in take-off and landing.
6. SwellPro SplashDrone 4 (with Ground Control Station)
Key Features:
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Sensors: 4K camera with gimbal and optional thermal imaging; fully waterproof drone
Range: 5 km transmission range
Water Resistance: Fully waterproof; capable of landing on water, making it ideal for coastal and
offshore operations
Ground Control Station: Includes rugged, portable GCS with live data feed and GPS-based
mission planning
Accessories: Multiple battery packs, chargers, waterproof carrying cases, propellers, spare parts
Use Case: Perfect for nearshore surveillance, coastal monitoring, SAR, and port security
operations.
Recommended Package for Bangladesh Coast Guard
Drone Selection:
Given the operational environment and budget considerations for the Bangladesh Coast Guard, I
recommend the following package:
DJI Matrice 300 RTK (x3)
Each drone equipped with Zenmuse H20T sensor for multi-spectral imaging (thermal, zoom, and
laser rangefinder).
Ground Control Station: DJI Smart Controller Enterprise for each drone, offering real-time data
transmission and mission planning.
Accessories: Extra battery packs for extended missions, rugged transport cases, spare propellers,
battery charging hub.
Package Benefits:
Advanced Surveillance Capabilities: The Zenmuse H20T sensor offers versatile capabilities, from
detecting small objects (e.g., boats or debris) to thermal imaging for SAR missions.
Weather-Resistant: IP45-rated weatherproofing ensures that the drones can handle harsh coastal
and offshore conditions.
Real-Time Data Transfer: The GCS provides secure, long-range transmission, crucial for
maritime operations.
Cost-Effective: DJI Matrice 300 RTK offers a balance of advanced features and affordability,
making it a cost-effective solution compared to larger military-grade UAVs.
Ground Control Station (GCS) Considerations:
Individual GCS for Each Drone: This ensures that each drone can operate independently, with
real-time mission planning, data analysis, and remote piloting. The GCS should have ruggedized
cases for maritime conditions and support encrypted data transmission for secure
communications.
Additional Accessories:
Marine-grade batteries for extended operations.
Weatherproof transport cases for drones and GCS units.
Maintenance kits and spare parts for continuous operational readiness.
Training and support packages for Bangladesh Coast Guard personnel to ensure effective use and
maintenance of the drone system.
Conclusion:
The DJI Matrice 300 RTK package provides a versatile, durable, and cost-effective solution for
maritime surveillance. Its advanced sensors, extended range, and robust design make it ideal for
the diverse needs of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, from patrolling territorial waters to engaging in
SAR operations. The addition of individual ground control stations and accessories ensures each
drone can operate independently and efficiently.
