Understanding needs and
efforts made by the Government to combat poaching, the use of sophisticated tracking and monitoring equipment such as Smart Plane
is among the proactive techniques to improve protection of wildlife.
In
addressing the current challenges in poaching and illegal wildlife trade, there
have been a lot of investments and strategies by the Government and
stakeholders to address challenges on poaching. Several initiatives have been
put in place including training of Village Game Scouts (VGS), camera traps and
a lot of money invested, but poaching continues. Therefore, adoption of new technology using
smart plane for law enforcement is inevitable. Smart plane undertakes rapid
assessment and helps to strategize surveillances and anti-poaching patrols in
difficult terrains.
The
Smart Plane is a flying machine, designed specifically for aerial photography.
Performance is characterized by relatively neutral stability and a relatively
high speed range, allowing low speed and low drag at a cruising speed.
The
aircraft is easily taken apart without tools for easy transport and storage.
The design is very robust with the camera well protected in the middle of the
plane. Design and materials are selected to allow repairs in the field. It is
equipped with a very compact and lightweight autopilot. Despite the small size,
it is most advanced and capable of conducting all phases of flight from
take-off to landing. The autopilot also manages the camera exposure,
communication with the ground control station and the radio control
transmitter. The autopilot uses inputs from GPS and other systems to stabilize
and navigate the aircraft. GPS provides information about the position,
altitude and velocity.
In adopting the high tech investment stakeholders
will only require investments in human resource and capital for the investments.
