Cornerstone Research Group (CRG) achieved a significant milestone in developing its High-Fidelity Drone Audio System, known as Bellbird. The system was successfully tested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) during an operational field assessment organized by the National Urban Security Technology division of DHS at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory.
The Bellbird aerial communications platform is an advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed to enhance public safety and crowd management by delivering clear voice commands and warning tones from the air. Named after the Amazonian white bellbird, the world’s loudest bird, Bellbird is equipped with a Mobile Sound Shield (MSS) to ensure voice commands are heard clearly, even in noisy environments, while maintaining a safe operational distance. With vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, Bellbird can be rapidly deployed from mobile ground vehicles or stationary ground stations, offering flexibility in emergency response scenarios.
Bellbird’s potential applications are vast, addressing situations increasingly relevant in today’s world. From assisting law enforcement in managing crowd control at large public events like music festivals or football games to enhancing communication during campus protests or civil disturbances, Bellbird offers a safer, more effective alternative to traditional methods. It can also be deployed in high-risk environments, such as search-and-rescue operations after natural disasters, allowing first responders to issue critical instructions while maintaining a safe distance.
The July operational field assessment at Raspet Flight Research Laboratory included first responders and evaluators from across the country. Participants tested Bellbird’s ability to deliver loud, clear messages despite background noise, demonstrating its potential to transform emergency communications in crowded environments. Bellbird also enables two-way communication, enhancing situational awareness for first responders by allowing real-time feedback from the crowd or individuals on the ground.
First responders provided feedback on the CRG prototypes’ deployability, capability, and usability. The assessment included sound quality, flight maneuverability, and ease of use in operational settings. The feedback will help CRG refine the system, including making the drone more durable, easier to assemble, and enhancing two-way communication.
“Bellbird is breaking new ground in how we think about public safety,” said Evan Gin, CRG’s lead engineer on the project. “This system provides clear communication from a safe distance, reducing risks for both first responders and the public. We’re excited to continue improving the technology based on this valuable field assessment feedback.”
CRG plans to make Bellbird payloads drone-agnostic, enabling the system to integrate with various platforms. The company is also working on refining the two-way communication system to be smaller and lighter, making it suitable for confined spaces or targeted situations, such as hostage scenarios, where a large crowd-control speaker isn’t required.
For more information about Cornerstone Research Group and the Bellbird High-Fidelity Drone Audio System, visit www.crgrp.com/high-fidelity-drone-audio-system.
About Cornerstone Research Group
Cornerstone Research Group, headquartered in Miamisburg, OH, is a high-technology company delivering innovative solutions to aerospace, defense, and industrial markets since 1997. CRG’s multidisciplinary teams collaborate with leading technology providers, positioning the company as a fast-growing leader in innovation and technology commercialization. CRG’s technology portfolio includes aerosystems, power and energy solutions, medical and sensors technology, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. CRG is a Rushlight Assets company. For more information, visit www.crgrp.com.