The Aerial View of FLYMOTION’s Connectivity Solutions
FLYMOTION has traditionally been seen as a company that provides the eco-system of drone technology solutions and services. It’s more than just drone technology. The eco-system encompasses training, mobile command centers, drone detection and more for public safety, government, defense, and critical infrastructure. While this is a core competency of our company, it’s only one part. FLYMOTION is very diversified in the end-to-end technology solutions we provide. FLYMOTION is much “more than drones.”
Connectivity is the foundation that holds technology stably in place today. FLYMOTION has organically grown into the connectivity vertical and provides multiple innovative technologies. Our team has done research and development to optimize the construction of networks, hardware, and devices for public safety, first responders, and critical infrastructure.
Network Accessibility
At the root of connectivity is 4G/LTE and the cellular providers. AT&T answers the call to connectivity with their priority, preemptive, first-responder only network called FirstNet. Verizon, another global network provider also has a dedicated network called Verizon Priority. FLYMOTION is fortunate to have partnerships with both of these providers to offer solutions and options to public safety.
Our goal is two-fold. The first is to provide state-of-the-art hardware solutions to critical first responders and personnel. Combining those devices with innovative software allows for easy streaming and accessibility in the field. Accessibility is only part of the software solution; connectivity is the other half.
An example of those capabilities is converting an incoming signal to usable WiFi. Wireless connectivity is an extremely valuable requirement by many of our clients. To fulfill this requirement, FLYMOTION has partnered with Cradlepoint, the leader in router technologies. Their multi-SIM technology allows end-users to join multiple carriers to create a singular, powerful WiFi source. FLYMOTION developed the Mission Case LTE to simplify this much-needed requirement for field operations. With an internal power source, solar connectivity, and a hard carrying case, this mission-critical solution is powered by Cradlepoint routers.
Cradlepoint’s Case Study
In a case study, Cradlepoint stated, “With public safety often at stake, FLYMOTION’s customers require their command and control vehicles and ruggedized communication kits to meet their needs 24/7. With all disaster response scenarios, constant wireless internet connectivity is essential. Capturing and sending real-time video expedites damage assessment and mapping of an affected area, but it also requires ample bandwidth.” (Credit: Cradlepoint)
FLYMOTION utilizes the Dejero portfolio of products because their focus lies within enhanced live-streaming. With that being said, connectivity is as important as live-streaming. Dejero’s systems blend diverse connectivity paths to deliver enhanced reliability, expanded coverage, and greater bandwidth. The various built-in satellite capabilities deliver low-latency reliable data. Field responders and/or organizations working remotely are able to experience the benefits firsthand.
Our partnership with Panasonic, the leader in ruggedized tablets and laptops, allows us to provide full-circle solutions for agencies and organizations. Our team can demonstrate which devices and services would benefit your team, given individual requirements.
“More Than Drones”
Additional devices we provide include the Samsung Galaxy series and Sonim products to allow our drone equipment to seamlessly blend into the ecosystem of connected technologies. With accessories for these like the nEar—the best in-ear and over-ear micro-speakers available—FLYMOTION will ensure you have everything necessary for ease of communication and emergency preparedness.
FLYMOTION takes pride in our diversified technology solutions. We design every solution with a specific purpose. That purpose is equipping the end-user with everything they need from training and operations to disaster and emergency response efforts.
Command vehicles have always been an asset in the field. Pairing mobile command vehicles with highly reliable connectivity makes disaster and critical responses easier. With confidence in your network, you can operate in any location and climate.
In the case study from Cradlepoint, “FLYMOTION was the world’s first provider of mobile drone command and control vehicles, which serve as home base for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, in the field. These products integrate technologies that enable live video acquisition, management, and distribution—all done in a mobile, centralized location. The company also extends its services outside the vehicles through ruggedized mobile communication and network kits, or the Mission Case LTE, which can be used to connect drones to command centers or to provide pop-up WiFi in remote locations.” (Credit: Cradlepoint)
Veteran-Owned; Supporting Those Who Serve
FLYMOTION is Veteran-owned and founded by public safety professionals. Our leadership team has the experience and fundamentals you would require, which gives us the innate ability to understand the requirements and provide end-to-end solutions that support those who serve. If FLYMOTION can assist your agency or organization with connectivity solutions, mobile device technology or training, please reach out to us.
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How Drones Help Fight Wildfires
This year has brought an unforeseen challenge to the state of Florida: wildfires. An unusually-dry winter, along with vegetation uprooted by Hurricanes Nicole and Ian, have left parts of the state vulnerable to fires. In early March, there were nearly 80 active wildfires in South Florida, according to the Florida Forest Service.

Unfortunately, the increase in Florida wildfires reflects a broader trend across the United States. Wildfires are increasing in size, duration, and frequency. Now more regions are exposed to the danger of wildfires, and overburdened resources are stretched thin. In response, firefighters are turning to new technology, including drones.
But how exactly are drones useful in fighting wildfires? Can they make a difference? We answer those questions in this article.
Why Drones Are Used To Fight Wildfires
Maintaining awareness during a wildfire response is a challenging yet crucial task. Wildfires can span hundreds, even thousands, of acres. Moreover, they’re unpredictable. Shifting winds often change the direction of the blaze and start smaller fires.
Manned aircraft have traditionally provided situational awareness, but weather, geography, and operating costs are limiting factors. As a result, they are forced to fly high above the burn area.

Drones, on the other hand, can fly just above the canopy and relay information directly to ground crews. They can also deploy much quicker than conventional air assets. From the initial attack, decision-makers have a birds-eye perspective of the burn area. With this image, firefighters can predict the path of the fire and identify any structures in danger. In short, a UAS-led response is well-informed and proactive.
Drones equipped with thermal cameras are especially valuable during wildfire response. Smoke is always a challenge. Thermal cameras can cut through poor visibility and guide firefighters to hot spots, preventing reignition.
Some drones with thermal cameras include:
How Are Drones Used to Fight Wildfires?
Damage Assessment
After containing a wildfire, responders typically collect data to assess the damage and update wildfire models. A cost-effective solution is a mapping drone. Using either LiDAR or photogrammetry, teams accurately reconstruct the area affected by the fire. They can capture building damage, forest density, and geography with impressive detail.

Prescribed Burn
To meet resource management requirements, some departments are equipping drones with prescribed burn kits. While drip torches and flare guns are popular solutions, neither is effective as the IGNIS system, for example Dropping small chemical balls that ignite on the ground, a drone equipped with the IGNIS payload starts a prescribed burn quickly over a large area. More importantly, it reaches areas inaccessible to ground crews to create precise fire lines.

Challenges
As useful as drones are to wildfire response, they are some challenges. First, the airspace over a large wildfire is typically congested. Tanker aircraft, helicopters, and spotter planes are flying in and out of a small airspace. Adding small unmanned aircraft to the mix significantly increases the risk of air collision.
To reduce the chance of fatalities, drone pilots need to be aware of the other aerial assets. A dedicated air boss and proper communication are proven ways to mitigate risks.

The second challenge is privacy. Like some law enforcement UAS programs, fire departments have faced some criticism for their use of unmanned aircraft. The LAFD, for example, met some resistance when they introduced their UAS unit. Some residents and civil liberty organizations were concerned about how the footage collected would be used after the incident.
LAFD’s response? Be transparent as possible. Clearly outlining its procedure for the city committee the department used a measured approach to roll out the program.
A UAS program is truly effective when the community supports the initiative. Educating all stakeholders, including the public, on the technology is the first step to ensuring its success in the future. Conclusion
Key Takeaways
Whether it’s overwatch or prescribed burn operations, drones are invaluable tools for combating wildfires. Even fire departments with manned air support units (ASUs) benefit from having another overwatch layer. Rapidly deployable and maneuverable, drones can inform all levels of the response. That’s total situational awareness.
As fire seasons grow, your department may be considering a drone for wildfire response. As an experienced provider of unmanned solutions, FLYMOTION stands ready to assist in this initiative.
Interested? Fill out the form below.
- Published in News
Mobile Command Vehicle For Drone Response

If you’re familiar with mobile command vehicles for drone response, you know that most are some variation of a van with workstations. These vehicles, such as our TRIDENT series, play an important role in emergency response. They provide first responders with a comprehensive, self-sustained solution for resource-intensive incidents.
However, large command vehicles can be impractical for daily operations. Operating and budget constraints can limit their use in routine calls, which means these big-ticket items are often sitting in a garage.
Seeing a need for a cost-effective and agile solution, FLYMOTION developed a mobile command and control unit that easily integrates into an agency’s fleet. We call it, MAVERICK. Our MAVERICK mobile command vehicle is designed to quickly deploy to incidents, providing on-scene support and overwatch with UAS.
MAVERICK can be built on a variety of SUV chassis. This flexibility allows agencies to upfit a vehicle they currently own, or purchase a vehicle that matches the rest of their fleet. In this article, we’ll break down FLYMOTION’s demo vehicle, a Chevrolet Tahoe PPV. Keep in mind that every component in our command vehicles is customizable so you can have a solution that works for you.
LIGHTING FOR YOUR MOBILE COMMAND VEHICLE

The lighting setup in your mobile command center is important to consider during the build process. For this MAVERICK build, we used a lighting package from SoundOff Signal which includes:
- 4x mpower® on the grille
- 4x mpower® running board lights
- nFORCE® Visor lights
- lightbars in the rear windows
- full-width, interior light bar in the back
We also placed two mpower® lights in the tailgate for scene lighting when it’s open.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR MOBILE COMMAND MODULE
Our MAVERICK features a custom command module by TruckVault. Highly versatile, this module integrates storage, power, and a display into one unit.


- L3 Harris radio 700-800 MHz, LTE-capable
- Airband radio
- 2x RJ45 network connections (LAN and WAN)
- 3x HDMI inputs
- 3000w inverter
- Shore power connection with auto-eject
- 2x 120v outlets
- 3x drawers with combination locks and custom foam inserts
- 1x full-width pullout tray
- 32-inch display
- 4-by-1 multiviewer
These are not the only options available for an operational module in a mobile command center, but this is what we chose for this MAVERICK build.
COMMAND VEHICLE INTERIOR


Our custom interior setup integrates seamlessly with the vehicle and provides the operator with easy access to control panels and multiple power outlets. Here are some items to consider when building out the interior of your rapid response command vehicle:
- Havis VSX console
- 12v DC outlet
- 120v outlet
- SoundOff Signal Blueprint console
- L3 Harris radiohead, linked to radio in the command module
- Havis laptop cradle
- SoundOff Signal interior dome light (red/white)
CONCLUSION
To reiterate, this is NOT the only way to configure MAVERICK. You can add, subtract, or substitute components through our custom-build process to create a vehicle that meets your mission requirements.
If you’re interested in learning more about our build or want to see what your mobile command vehicle could look like, FLYMOTION wants to help! Our vehicle specialists will work with you to provide a detailed breakdown and answer any questions you might have.
Are you ready to get started? Fill out the form below!
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Case Study: Spot Robot Aids In Hostage Rescue
INTRODUCTION
On October 25th, 2022, the St. Petersburg Police Department responded to a desperate situation: an armed man had taken a three-year-old hostage in the cab of his pickup truck. Despite the volatile nature of the call and the complex operating environment, officers successfully rescued the child. Out of all the resources involved, one asset performed exceptionally well: the Spot robot by Boston Dynamics.

BACKGROUND
The department purchased a Spot unit after extensive research, including numerous calls with Boston Dynamics and agencies currently using the robot. According to the officer leading the effort, it was evident from the conversations and demos that Spot was miles ahead of conventional options. Encouraged by the positive impressions and a generous donation from a local benefactor, SPPD purchased a Spot unit with a Ridgeback payload from FLYMOTION.

Spot went to work almost immediately. Shortly after the department unveiled the platform, the robot responded to a barricaded subject call. While its performance during that operation was promising, Spot wouldn’t reveal its full potential until another incident late one Tuesday night.
On the evening of October 25th, police responded to the scene where 32-year-old Matthew Perkins had assaulted his girlfriend. The situation grew more serious when Perkins then fled, taking his 3-year-old son with him. A helicopter from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office managed to find the pair and followed them until Perkins crashed his pickup truck at the I-275 overpass on Gandy Blvd.
When officers caught up with the vehicle, they ordered the father to step out, but he refused. Because of the danger posed to the child inside the truck, the vehicle stop quickly turned into a hostage rescue.
According to the responding officers, it was particularly challenging to assess the scene for several reasons. It was dark out and no one had a clear line of sight into the truck. Perkins had also blocked the windows with a blanket. Concern for the child quickly rising, SPPD called the robotics team from its Tactical Services Unit for assistance.
SOLUTION: A ROBOT DOG
Once on scene, the team’s first objective was to see inside the vehicle. When operators maneuvered Spot to the driver’s window to pull the blanket, the suspect fought the robot. An attempt to fly a drone up to the truck also proved unsuccessful; turbulence created by the drone’s rotors made it challenging to hover and see inside. As a last resort, officers used a pike pole to yank the blanket.

The operators then decided to employ Spot for surveillance. Enabled by the camera on Spot’s Arm, they could easily look over the window sill for a real-time view inside the cab. Incidentally, the team noticed that the Arm’s camera could pivot to provide angles not possible with a drone. As a result, the operators were able to see Perkins lying on the vehicle’s floor.
OUTCOME
While they watched the truck, officers made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Perkins. As time went on, medics also grew increasingly concerned with the child’s condition, who appeared unresponsive on Spot’s feed. Prompted by this critical development, commanders ordered the SWAT team to end the standoff and apprehend Perkins.

The Spot robot proved to be a crucial asset in this phase of the response. From the screenshots of the feed sent to their phones, the SWAT team knew how his body was oriented (which door he was facing, where his hands were, etc.). More importantly, they learned that Perkins had a large pair of scissors in his hand. Once the suspect dropped the scissors, the team rolled in, apprehended him, and rescued the child. No shots were fired during the operation.
SPOT ROBOT: TOY OR TOOL?

Incidents like this one confirm that this robot dog is not some novelty item; for the St. Petersburg Police Department, Spot is a lifesaving asset. The ability to quickly assess a situation in any environment without risking officer safety is crucial, especially during a high-stakes incident. And Spot’s abilities go beyond awareness, enabling officers to open doors and manipulate objects, further reducing the danger posed to first responders.
It’s for these reasons that many agencies around the country are looking to Spot and FLYMOTION as a way to leverage technology in increasingly-complex scenarios. Acquiring, assembling, and implementing advanced solutions like Spot is a challenging task — and FLYMOTION is here to help! Selected as Boston Dynamics Preferred Public Safety and Government Partner, we’ll help you navigate the entire process — from procurement to training — to ensure your team has what it needs for success.
How can your agency operate Spot? Contact us — we’re standing by to help!
- Published in News
5 Ways To Live Stream From Your Drone

Situational awareness is a key determiner of success during dynamic public safety operations. That’s why streaming solutions are crucial for the effectiveness of drone programs, as they provide incident commanders and other stakeholders with a real-time view of critical incidents. In this brief article, we will cover some hardware and software solutions you can use to stream from your drone controller.
1. Press-It by Panasonic

The Press-It is a simple plug-and-play, point-to-point transmission system effective up to 30 meters (approximately 100 feet). Both transmitter and receiver use HDMI connections, meaning they’re compatible with a wide variety of controllers and displays.
The Press-It is especially useful for pilots needing to project their feed to a nearby display — say a TV in a command vehicle — without the nuisance (or trip hazard) of a long HDMI cable. Because the transmitter dangles off of the controller, we recommend mounting it to the remote to ensure a strong connection. FLYMOTION offers a number of mounting solutions that can be customized for your controller.
2. DJI Video Transmission System

Designed to meet the demands of professional cinematographers, DJI’s Video Transmission System offers a low-latency, point-to-point connection. While it’s more expensive than the Press-It, this system can transmit video to a receiver up to an impressive 20,000 feet (6 km/3.73 mi) away. The transmission signal is also AES-256 encrypted to protect your video streams during sensitive operations.
This system comes with a 7-inch receiver/display rated for 1,500 nits of brightness. It also offers SDI and HDMI ports should you need to relay the stream to a larger display.
3. DJI Flight Hub 2

If you fly the Mavic 3 Enterprise, M30, or Matrice 300, then DJI’s Flight Hub 2 is a software solution worth considering. Announced in March of 2022, the company’s operations management platform enables mission live streaming, cloud mapping, live annotations, and data management.
At the time of writing, Flight Hub 2 is in public beta and free to use.
4. DroneSense

A third-party management platform popular with public safety agencies, DroneSense is an excellent option for first responders. DroneSense enables pilots, among many things, to share their feeds via a one-time-use link.
Additionally, personnel on the ground can augment drone feeds by streaming video from their phones. All feeds are centralized in DroneSense’s Operations Hub, providing incident commanders with a complete multi-view picture of the incident as it unfolds.
DroneSense currently supports Autel’s EVO II Enterprise line, Parrot’s ANAFI series, and all DJI aircraft.
5. Dejero


Built for the broadcasting and live-production industry, Dejero uses software and hardware components to provide a robust streaming solution. With Dejero, users connect their drone controller to Dejero’s EnGo mobile transmitter, which then sends the feed to a Gateway and up into the cloud to a recipient anywhere in the world.
Dejero stands out from the other solutions on this list because it enables high-quality, low-latency streaming even on congested networks. Powered by cellular bonding technology, Dejero’s Gateway can use up to six different carriers to send data packets which are then assembled on the receiving end. As a result, Dejereo provides first responders with stable, resilient communications regardless of the environment.
Conclusion
Having the right streaming solution will not only make a difference in your efficiency but in your effectiveness as well. However, with so many options at different price points, it can be tough to decide. FLYMOTION is here to help! Backed by extensive experience with connectivity products, we will help assess your needs and find the solution that works best for you. Feel free to reach out to a representative here, or visit our website.
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6 Reasons Why The Autel EVO Max 4T is Great for Public Safety
Drones have become an essential tool for public safety agencies to improve their response times, reduce risk, and save lives. Among the many options available today, the brand-new Autel EVO Max 4T promises to be one of the industry’s frontrunners. In this article, we’ll explore why the Autel EVO Max 4T can be such a great solution for public safety agencies.

1. Extended flight time
A 40-minute flight time has become a standard feature for new drones. Incidents can often last hours, requiring aircraft that can stay up for extended periods. Rated for 42 minutes of flight time, the EVO Max 4T allows operators to fly longer missions with fewer battery swaps.
2. Payload
The EVO Max 4T’s payload equips pilots with a 640p thermal sensor, a wide-angle RGB camera, a telephoto RGB camera, and a laser range-finder effective up to 1200m.
This combination provides agencies with robust capabilities in one compact package. The wide camera allows pilots to see the entire scene, while a 10x optical zoom helps them to highlight points of interest from a safe distance. A thermal camera is especially effective during nighttime search-and-rescue operations. Lastly, the range finder enables precise distance measurements, particularly useful during inspection or reconstruction missions.
3. Durable and Portable
Autel designed the EVO Max 4T with durability and portability in mind. This drone touts an IP43 weather rating, which means that public safety pilots can deploy the drone in various situations with greater peace of mind. Additionally, the drone’s foldable design makes it useful during operations that require greater mobility, such as search and rescue missions in remote areas.


4. Intelligent flight modes
The EVO Max 4T includes intelligent flight modes designed to assist pilots during complex, task-intensive missions. One of the most beneficial features is Autel’s Object Detection, which enables the drone to detect and follow heat sources even while they are moving. This feature proves to be especially useful when tracking suspects or locating a missing person.

Autel’s Autonomy Engine is also something to note. These algorithms collect environmental data from the drone’s surroundings and compose three-dimensional flight routes that navigate complex landscapes such as forests, mountains, and buildings. This technology has various practical applications in scene reconstruction, industrial inspection, and land surveying scenarios.
5. Advanced safety features
Like most other drones in the Enterprise sector, the EVO Max 4T comes with advanced obstacle avoidance and return-to-home functions. However, the EVO Max 4T stands out as the only drone to combine traditional visual obstacle avoidance with a millimeter-wave radar. This additional sensor enables the Autonomy Engine to navigate the drone in low-light conditions, which would otherwise limit the effectiveness of visual systems.
6. Latest Connection Link
Finally, the EVO Max 4T is compatible with SkyLink 3.0, Autel’s latest connection system. SkyLink 3.0 uses six antennas and four frequency bands to provide a low-latency 1080p stream up to 12.4 miles. The link is also AES-256 encrypted for greater data security and offers 4G integration for BVLOS operations.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Autel EVO Max 4T is an excellent drone for public safety agencies. Its long flight time, powerful payload, and intelligent flight modes make it an ideal choice for search and rescue, disaster response, and law enforcement applications.
If your agency is interested in utilizing all the features of the Autel EVO Max 4T, be sure to fill out the PRE-ORDER FORM below! You’ll be notified as soon as the units become available.
As an Autel Robotics partner, we are willing to answer any question you have. Feel free to contact a representative or visit our website here to discuss questions, concerns, or other potential applications of this aircraft.
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What is Robotic Teaming?
As threats evolve in complexity, it’s imperative to develop TTPs (tactics, techniques, procedures) to meet them. This is no less true in the deployment of unmanned systems. One approach growing in relevance is a tactic FLYMOTION has coined “Robotic Teaming.” As a concept, Robotic Teaming is simple: use two or more unmanned platforms in a coordinated effort to accomplish an objective. In practice, the tactic is a little more nuanced. In this article, we’ll cover the significance of Robotic Teaming, its nuances, and when to employ the tactic for ultimate success.
Why Robotic Teaming?
The common initial response to robotic teaming is, “why?” Why deploy multiple unmanned assets if one could fulfill the same purpose? It’s a valid question, considering the logistical and acquisition considerations required to use several platforms. The answer is simple: greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Unmanned systems — UAVs, UGVs, USVs — excel in their respective environments. But in the game of tradeoffs, it’s clear that each system type is vulnerable where the others are not. Let’s quickly compare UAVs and UGVs as an example.
Generally speaking, UAVs are fast and agile, capable of quickly covering large distances. However, due to obvious constraints, UAVs cannot complete manipulation tasks like lifting objects or opening doors. On the other hand, UGVs are perfectly suited for these tasks. EOD robots are a primary example of this capability, designed to lift, drag, or carry a variety of objects. But their greater power and dexterity, as you might imagine, often come at the cost of speed and agility.

Advantages
Robotic teaming bypasses the tradeoff by using both systems to cover for each other’s shortcomings. This results in several advantages:
- Speed
- A UAV and a UGV deploy at the scene of a suspicious package. The faster UAV clears each room and locates the package ahead of the slower robot. The operator can then guide the robot to the location in the most efficient way possible.
- Perspective
- In situations where precision is critical, two perspectives are better than one. A drone hovering over a robot (or perched on a vantage point nearby) provides an additional viewpoint to overcome the challenge of a skewed depth perception often faced by operators. In other words, the drone feed becomes a third-person POV, providing spatial context to facilitate a quick and secure “grab.”
- Security
- Deploying multiple assets at once means a responding team does not have to choose between covering a blind spot and investigating further. With a pair of UAVs, for example, a team can watch an exit while searching the rest of the building.
- Sensors
- In more practical terms, robotic teaming enables you to take advantage of sensors available on one platform and not on the other. For example, most UAVs include thermal sensors, a feature not as common on UGVs or USVs.
Other Robotic Teaming Combinations
As we have alluded to in the third point, Robotic Teaming is not exclusive to a UAV/UGV pair. A team can also use several UAVs at varying altitudes, angles, and positions to significantly increase awareness. During K9 operations, for example, one drone may be assigned to track the dog while a second drone remains over the handler. This way, officers have eyes on the suspect and personnel during what is often a dynamic scenario.
Multi-drone operations are easy with the right equipment. Teal offers a 4-Ship configuration for their Golden Eagle UAS that enables a pilot to simultaneously fly four aircraft with one controller. The result is an efficient force-multiplier solution with applications across a wide array of scenarios. You can learn more about the Golden Eagle here.
When should it be employed?
Of course, robotic teaming is not the perfect solution for every situation. There will be times when a quicker, more direct response is required. However, under most circumstances, this tactic increases the effectiveness of unmanned systems and minimizes the risks to responders. Here are two examples:
- Indoor operations: inherently dangerous due to obstructions, limited lighting, and other challenges like “fatal funnels.”
- Manipulation tasks: challenging depending on the robot’s capability, the operator’s skill level, and the operation’s complexity.
Conclusion
As a principle, robotic teaming encourages unmanned system operators to approach situations as direct tactical elements and reduce mission complexity by assigning distinct roles to each platform. Not only does this increase the overall effectiveness of unmanned systems, but it also reduces the exposure of personnel to hostile environments.
If you like to learn more about the elements of robotic teaming and potential applications, don’t hesitate to reach out! FLYMOTION’s Training Team has extensive experience employing this tactic and is willing to instruct, click here to contact them today.
Be sure to stay on top of industry news, the latest technology, and other educational resources by subscribing to our Debrief Newsletter!
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The Power of Mesh Networks: Radios by Silvus Technologies
In December 2022, two developments headlined several defense publications. The United States Marine Corps awarded a five-million-dollar contract to procure MANET radios for the branch’s tactical vehicles. Later that month, the United States Navy completed a three-week-long exercise named “Digital Horizon,” validating the deployment of connected, intelligent unmanned surface and aerial systems in a maritime area of operations. Though seemingly unrelated, both events had one thing in common: StreamCaster MANET radios from Silvus Technologies.
As it turns out, the Marines selected StreamCaster radios to support Networking On-The-Move (NOTM) initiatives for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and future Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). Silvus radios were also crucial to the success of Digital Horizon, linking dispersed unmanned surface and air vehicles back to the Robotics Operations Center (ROC).

What makes Silvus the radio of choice for these complex assignments? We’ll answer that question by breaking down the MIMO techniques powering these radios and covering MANET technology. Then, we’ll look at a recent FLYMOTION integration of Silvus radios and how you can harness their capabilities in your operations.
Quick Facts
StreamCasters are mesh network-capable radios using Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform. They are available in one of three models:
- StreamCaster Lite 4200: The smallest of the three, the 4200 outputs 1w of power.
- StreamCaster 4200 Enhanced Plus (EP): A larger handheld radio, this model outputs 10w of power.
- StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced: Developed for vehicle, airborne, and command post-based applications, the SC4400 outputs 20w of power.

How do Silvus radios work?
To understand how Silvus radios work, you need to know a couple of abbreviations.
MN-MIMO
The abbreviation MN-MIMO combines two distinct qualities of Silvus radios. First, they are Mobile-Networked (MN), able to create a mesh communications network without any infrastructure. Second, Silvus radios use a Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna configuration, meaning they use all their antennas to transmit and receive. MIMO functionality is significant for several reasons.
Multiple transmission antennas enable a technique called Eigen Beamforming. Signals emit from each antenna in specific sequences, combining to generate a stronger signal. By manipulating the timing of its signals, a StreamCaster radio can effectively steer the transmission signal to the appropriate receiving party.
In practical terms, Eigen Beamforming effectively doubles — even quadruples — the power output of each radio. The number of antennas, multiplied by the rated output, results in the working output. For example, the StreamCaster Lite, which technically has a power output of 1w, has a working output of 2w. In the case of the StreamCaster 4400, its 20w power output effectively increases to 80w.
Multiple antennas also increase reception quality through redundancy, also known as diversity. As expected, outside interference degrades transmission signals. Multiple receiving antennas can overcome this degradation by combining signals and analyzing them to create a fuller overall reception.
Spectrum Dominance
In addition, integrated into Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform is Spectrum Dominance. Spectrum Dominance is an expansive suite of Low Probability of Intercept, Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD), and Anti-Jamming resiliency capability options. All three enable secure and protected communications in congested and contested environments.
You can learn more about the techniques that make up Silvus MN-MIMO technology here.
MANET
A Mobile Ad-hoc Network, or MANET for short, is a type of mesh network and arguably the most important characteristic of Silvus StreamCaster radios. In simple terms, a MANET system is a group of connected radios that form a network to transmit information. Each radio in the system serves as a transmitter, relay, and receiver. These networks are also decentralized and self-organized, hence the term Ad-hoc. In other words, there is no central hub administrating traffic. If a radio is added or dropped, the network will instantly reorganize itself to optimize information flow.
With this adaptive, efficient network, MANET radios like the StreamCaster can send and receive high-fidelity voice, video, and other IP data without the need for infrastructure.
Applications: FLYMOTION Ridgeback
The use of StreamCaster MANET radios aboard unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in Digital Horizon mirrors an integration capability developed by FLYMOTION several years ago. Recognizing the potential of MANET radios in unmanned systems, FLYMOTION created Ridgeback. Ridgeback is a communication payload for Spot by Boston Dynamics that replaces the OEM Wi-Fi connection with a pair of MANET radios.

The premise of Ridgeback is simple: with one radio plugged into the controller and another connected to the robot, operators can control movement and view the feed. Because this configuration also creates a mesh network, any personnel with access to a MANET radio can also view feeds from Spot.
In short, Ridgeback provides two major benefits. For one, it provides an encrypted transmission stronger than the standard link. Secondly, it enables the democratization of information to other team members.
When the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office procured a Spot unit from FLYMOTION, they also requested a Ridgeback payload with Silvus MANET radios to integrate with the rest of their communication system. With our Silvus-powered Ridgeback, the agency’s EOD team can confidently operate Spot in challenging or complex RF environments, like concrete buildings or underground tunnels, from a safe distance.
Conclusion
As the use of unmanned systems increases, so will the need for a standardized, capable communication infrastructure. Fortunately, for the reasons previously mentioned and more, Silvus StreamCaster radios exceed the performance requirements of complex and data-intensive missions. If you want to learn more about MANET radios or custom integrations, please contact a FLYMOTION representative or visit our website.
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Meet the Sponsors of UTAC 2022!
FLYMOTION is proud to announce the sponsors of this year’s UTAC 2022. The premier unmanned systems, robotics, and technology training event of the year, UTAC brings together leading manufacturers and end-users to advance tactical applications of technology.
UTAC attracts technology-based companies of all shapes and sizes, from exciting new startups to well-established industry leaders. These companies represent every aspect of the industry, including unmanned aircraft, robotics, software, and communication systems. Their diversity of size, focus, and expertise creates an atmosphere of innovation and collaboration for unmanned systems operators and manufacturers alike.
Persistent Systems
Based out of New York City, Persistent Systems develops and manufactures a patented and secure Mobile Ad hoc Networking (MANET) system known as Wave Relay®. Utilized in military, government, and unmanned systems sectors, Wave Relay® transmits data, video, and voice for communications under critical conditions.
You can learn more about the applications of MANET at persistentsystems.com.
Anduril Industries
Founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, Anduril is revolutionizing the American defense industry, integrating sensors and command and control (C2) capabilities into their Lattice OS AI-powered, open operating system. Lattice OS powers an ecosystem of force protection systems, unmanned aircraft, and autonomous submersibles that detect and track threats for greater situational awareness.
To learn more about the power of Lattice OS, visit anduril.com.
Autel Robotics
Autel Robotics is a team of industry professionals with a genuine passion for technology and years of engineering experience. Since its founding in 2014, Autel has always been customer-oriented and focused on achieving excellence through endless innovation. Autel delivers ground-breaking solutions like the innovative EVO II Enterprise and Dragonfish series for use within public safety and government applications.
Learn more about their full range of products at autelrobotics.com.
Meet our sponsors below:

Teal Drones
This Salt Lake City-based company has quickly become a leader in American-made drones for defense operators. Part of Red Cat Holdings, Teal designs and manufactures the Golden Eagle, an sUAS intended for rapid ISR. Additionally, Teal has integrated autonomous flight functions, known as “4 Ship”, which enable one pilot to control four aircraft simultaneously in several force protection patterns. Most recently, Teal’s Golden Eagle was added to the Blue UAS list, making it eligible for federal and military operations.
Learn more about the Golden Eagle at tealdrones.com.
DJI
Widely regarded as a drone industry leader, DJI has set the standard for consumer and enterprise aircraft. Their enterprise lineup, which includes the Mavic 3 Enterprise, the Matrice 30/30 T, and the Matrice 300 RTK, features best-in-class imaging, flight performance, transmission, and obstacle avoidance systems. As a result, these aircraft are the workhorses of the public safety sector, enabling their users to conduct operations with greater effectiveness.
You can learn more about DJI’s Enterprise lineup at dji.com.
Boston Dynamics
Since its inception in 1992, Boston Dynamics has been at the forefront of intelligent robotic mobility. Driven by innovation in hardware and autonomy programs, the company has turned once-conceptual platforms into mature, industrial-grade products. Today, Boston Dynamics is known worldwide for advanced robots like Spot, Atlas, and Stretch, which enable greater efficiency and safety and serve the company’s mission to enrich the lives of people.
Learn more about the future of robotics at bostondynamics.com.
Exhibitors at UTAC 2022
In addition to the sponsors listed above, UTAC 2022 will host numerous exhibitors, including:
Blue Sky Mast, Silvus Technologies, FIRST, Agile Mesh, Panasonic, Parrot, FreeFly, Wingtra, MyDefence, Leica Geosystems, GPC Custom Cases, Paladin, Echodyne, PIX4D, Chasing Innovation, Restube, Squishy Robotics, FirstNet, REDARC, L3Harris, Motorola Solutions, and NIST.
Follow our UTAC social channels for live updates of the event!
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The Best Public Safety Drones of 2022
This year has seen the continued success of several mature public safety drones and the introduction of a couple more. As an overview of the current options, we have listed five drones designed for public safety missions, all of which share common characteristics, including thermal cameras, portability, and at least 30 minutes of flight time. Despite the similarities, consider their unique features as you choose the aircraft that’s best for your agency.
Compiling a list of the best public safety aircraft is difficult because what’s best for one operator may not be for another. In light of this, we must clarify that this isn’t a definitive guide. Rather, it’s a list of aircraft we would recommend to most public safety agencies; this list is in no particular order and some can be equipped to night vision drone capabilities.
DJI M30 T
The newest of the drones listed here, the M30 T, represents DJI’s latest entry into the sector with features important to public safety operators. It comes in two variants: the M30 and the M30 T, which includes a powerful thermal camera.

Quick Facts
- IP55 Rating with an IP54-rated controller
- 41-minute flight time
- 16x optical zoom
- 640p thermal resolution
- OcuSync 3 transmission
For an in-depth look at the DJI M30 series, read our previous article on it here.
Another exciting feature of the M30 is its compatibility with DJI’s FlightHub 2 software and Dock station.
FlightHub 2 is the company’s upgraded fleet management and mission planning cloud platform for enterprise operations. With collaborative features like live annotations and feed-streaming, the software aggregates data from the aircraft into one portal for better decision-making. FlightHub 2 also allows operators to ensure automated missions at the highest quality with map previews.
The Dock, one of DJI’s recent innovations, aims to be a physical enabler of automated missions. A large box with retractable doors, the Dock protects and charges the aircraft between missions. This increases the efficiency of operations, carrying out normal human functions like launch and recovery autonomously. Furthermore, it can be done miles away from the operators, who send commands wirelessly.
DJI Matrice 300
The largest aircraft of DJI’s Enterprise line, the Matrice 300 is popular with many agencies for several reasons, including the ability to carry multiple payloads.

Quick Facts
- IP45 Rating
- 55-minute flight time
- 15-km (9.3 mile) range
- Hot-swappable batteries
- 1080p video transmission
- Control handoff
It’s been over two years since the release of the Matrice 300, and in the time since then, it has grown to become one of the most prominent public safety drones around. One of the reasons behind its popularity is payload flexibility. There are several payloads compatible with aircraft, including:
- Zenmuse H20: laser rangefinder payload
- Zenmuse H20-T: laser rangefinder and thermal payload
- Zenmuse H20N: night vision and thermal payload
- Zenmuse P1: photogrammetry payload
- Zenmuse L1: LiDAR payload
In addition to the DJI payloads listed above, operators have several options, including searchlights, IR spotlights, speakers, and drop kits. Moreover, the ability to mount multiple payloads makes it one of the most versatile platforms available to public safety. Operators could, for example, carry a thermal camera, a drop kit with a life jacket, and a loudspeaker to respond to stranded hurricane victims.
Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, EVO II Enterprise, ANAFI USA
The following three aircraft all land in the same category of drones, being much smaller than the M30 T or Matrice 300. For a small, rapidly deployable platform, consider one of the following drones.
The Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, EVO II Enterprise, and ANAFI USA share a lot of similar specifications regarding size, sensors, and flight performance. However, this does not mean they are the same aircraft; each aircraft offers some distinct advantages. For an in-depth look at these three aircraft, check out our articles on the best police drones, the Autel EVO II Enterprise, and the Parrot ANAFI USA.

Both the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced (M2EA) and the Autel EVO II Enterprise offer the following:
- Minimum of a 30-minute flight time
- Dual sensor payload (4K video and 640p radiometric thermal)
- 4 modular accessories (speaker, spotlight, strobe, RTK module)
- Obstacle avoidance
In the same size category as the M2EA and EVO II Enterprise, the ANAFI USA has similar capabilities. It also offers a similar flight and sensor performance. However, it also touts an IP53 rating and is Blue UAS listed. Both certifications should give operators peace of mind. While the IP rating enables pilots to fly in changing weather conditions, the Blue UAS listing certifies it for federal use, following specific data-security guidelines.
Conclusion
All of the aircraft we’ve mentioned are capable in their own right and are excellent solutions for public safety agencies. It all comes down to choosing the drone that matches your operational requirements. Determining which features are most important will make the decision-making process much easier. Take note that VTOL aircraft, such as the Dragonfish drone or any airframe similar to the Autel Dragonfish are purposely excluded from this list as they serve supplemental purposes.
Backed by industry knowledge and operational experience, the team at FLYMOTION can help you find the solution that’s right for you. To get started visit our website or contact a representative.
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