It is also possible to deploy a USB-powered aircraft tracking sensor at the scene of a public safety incident to gain situational awareness on all aircraft locations in the immediate area. This type of local sensor works with the TAK apps regardless of whether you have cell service or an internet connection.

The CoE (the team building COTAK) has partnered with Sensors & Signals LLC to create and sustain this capability, called AirTAK. The software required to create an AirTAK device is open source, and is deployed on a small Linux computer such as a Raspberry Pi. Alternatively a prebuilt hardware kit preconfigured with the software is available for purchase from Sensors & Signals.