HB-1 Downlink
Return of H-Item from June 3rd, 2025
December 16th, 2025
HB-1 Downlink
• Availability to stream video direct from helicopter
• Beneficial for special events, protests, critical
incidents, etc.
• Valuable for Police, Fire, and Marine Safety
• City Manager to report back on viability and expense with equipping the helicopter
VIABILITY
• Small Airframe (MD 530F)
• Lower operating costs / less real estate
• Less real estate = Harder to install components
• Technology
• Radio Frequency
• Cellular
• Starlink
VIABILITY
• Exhaustive testing to rule out RF options
• Used by most media outlets but incredibly expensive
• Cellular options including Starlink
• Antennae solutions
• Security Concerns
TIMELINE
• Prior to June 2025
• Began discussing with third party vendors
• July – September 2025
• Collaborated with IS Department to identify solutions • Organized and facilitated demonstrations from Trakka, Vislink, Terradek, Peplink, Earthscape, and other vendors
• October 2025
• Had success with two major options
• Worked trough multiple cellular and antennae configurations • November 2025
• Sent N682 to Hangar One for re-wiring and upgrades for new lights • December 2025
• Determined best option for Downlink and finalized harness and Mounting options for both solutions
What will this give us?
What will this give us?
EXPENSE
• Three aircraft need to be upfitted
• First aircraft complete with supplemental funding from Stonegarden Grant and existing funding
• Remaining two aircraft need to be upfitted to include the following • Installation of Starlink
• Re-wiring / locating of mapping system
• Wiring for already purchased Trakka lights
• Wifi capability
• Downlink hardware mounting
• Total remaining cost is approximately $230,000.00 to
complete all necessary work
Questions?