Maritime Inspection
Solution Overview
Application of UAV technology in mARITIME INSPECtION survey and design
UAVs provide silent, wide-area aerial patrol capabilities, making them ideal for maritime anti-smuggling missions. By integrating visible light imaging, low-light night vision, and high-definition cameras—together with synchronized front and rear data sharing from VTOL fixed-wing UAVs—covert and automated routine surveillance becomes possible. In response to smuggling and other illegal maritime activities, UAVs deliver precise target localization, autonomous circling, laser-guided reconnaissance, and remote coordinated command to reduce enforcement risks. Equipped with optical zoom and high-resolution infrared thermal imaging, UAVs can effectively detect disguises, penetrate visual obstructions, and rapidly collect evidence.
Operational Challenges
Coastal lines, forested shorelines, and fixed inspection zones require extensive, continuous coverage.
Smuggling often occurs near remote mountains and rivers, making it easy for suspects to escape and dangerous for law enforcement.
Smuggling activities are mobile and covert, with suspects often evading surveillance and evidence capture.
Highway survey and design rely on handheld GPS, total station and other equipment, which consumes a lot of manpower and material resources, and the efficiency is low
Solution Highlights
Rapid Deployment
A single operator can launch the UAV within 3 minutes for immediate operations.
Long Endurance
VTOL fixed-wing UAVs offer up to 126 minutes of flight time, supporting battery swaps for seamless missions.
Mobile Takeoff Platforms
Compatible with vehicle-mounted launch systems, with a maximum takeoff speed of 19 km/h.
AI Target Recognition
Built-in AI algorithms automatically identify personnel, vehicles, and vessels to enhance detection efficiency.
high-speed flight
Flight speeds up to 108 KM/H enable effective tracking of fast-moving smuggling vessels.
High-Definition Imaging
Equipped with 35× optical zoom and 45mm long-range thermal imaging, offering detailed visuals from both near and far.
Live Streaming
Real-time RTMP streaming from the UAV’s ground station enables mission commanders to make informed decisions.
Target Tracking & Positioning
Tracks targets in-flight and provides real-time location information.
Offline Mapping
In non-networked areas, offline maps can be used to match and overlay geographic data.
Case Studies
A coastal border unit detected signs of smuggling and deployed UAVs for aerial search and patrol. With large-area scanning, precise tracking, automated suspect monitoring, and real-time evidence capture, the system enabled seamless coordination across departments to strengthen maritime border enforcement.
Autel Dragonfish Assists Dongguan in Maritime Anti-Smuggling Operation
Upon receiving intelligence on smuggling activities, Dongguan Maritime Police deployed the Dragonfish UAV for aerial operations, enabling wide-area search, precision monitoring, and automated tracking of suspicious vessels. The UAV conducted seamless evidence collection throughout the night and dynamically adjusted flight routes in coordination with safety centers. 12 hours of aerial search, including 5 hours at night Covered a 30 km radius maritime search area Captured over 1,100 high-resolution images for post-incident investigation
Dragonfish Deployed for Shanghai Port Maritime Patrol
The Dragonfish Standard UAV supported daily inspections of unregistered vessels around the Shanghai Port. Flight paths were autonomously executed using mission planning software, while onboard image recognition enabled target identification and real-time tracking. Law enforcement received live updates for rapid decision-making and suspect apprehension. 5-minute rapid self-check and takeoff Vehicle-mounted launch capability for mobile deployments Max flight speed of 108 km/h for fast response Supports automated tracking of moving vessels
South Korea Coast Guard Secures Jeju Island Coastline
The Jeju Island Coast Guard selected Autel’s EVO II series UAVs for daily coastal patrols due to their strong wind resistance, long endurance, and reliable performance in complex environments. The fleet includes EVO II Dual 640T and EVO II Pro models, deployed for automated multi-UAV patrol missions with AI-based anomaly detection. Patrol coverage of 67 km along Jeju’s northern coastline Multi-aircraft coordinated autonomous patrols AI-powered recognition of abnormal events and targets
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