Drones with CBRNE-sensors for First Responders- a review

In this report, knowledge is compiled on technologies and applications for the use of drones with integrated sensors for CBRNE, i.e. chemical, biological, radionuclear and explosive agents and threats. The primary objective is to increase situational awareness with integrated sensor data for CBRNE. Information has been gathered through scientific databases, reports from expert bodies, drone organizations and to some extent manufacturers. The results show that there are sensor technologies available for CBRNE that are suitable for integration and mounting on drones. For some areas, especially R, sensor technology is more mature. Studies carried out in field environments show that the combination of drones and CBRNE-sensors in general has great potential. However, they also show that flight patterns and suitable reconnaissance methodology differ significantly depending on the type of agent, which would have significant implications in real operations. Therefore, future studies should be directed towards field trials that are more realistic to highlight these challenges in detail. There is also a need to develop software and user interfaces for processing sensor data customized for first responders. On-going research show great potential for novel sensors but also within machine learning for e.g. optimization of flight routes and possible introduction of autonomous swarms of drones.