Product Spotlight: Parrot ANAFI UKR
A common dilemma for agencies building Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs is finding hardware that not only complies with federal regulations, but is built for Emergency Response. Most commercially available drones are designed for recreational use and may not be powerful enough for a DFR program. Paladin has curated a fleet of DFR-ready drones equipped with everything your agency needs to utilize drone response effectively, which can be tailored to your agency’s specific needs. In this article, we highlight Parrot’s ANAFI UKR. Engineered specifically for defense and safety operations, this drone is a great NDAA-compliant option for any UAV program.
Complete NDAA Compliance
Compliance with state and federal regulations is not optional for agencies looking to fly UAVs in the United States. Under section 889 of the The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) the use of surveillance technology from specific foreign manufacturers that may pose national security concerns is prohibited. To be compliant, a product must be free of any parts or components from these banned manufacturers. The ANAFI UKR meets this requirement and is approved for federal, state and municipal use, including for Drone as First Responder operations. Additionally, the ANAFI UKR is Blue UAS approved, meaning it has been federally validated as cyber-secure. This dual certification removes a major barrier to deployment that can help get your drone program off the ground faster.
Battery & Range
What a DFR program can accomplish comes down to a few things, one of which being the technical specifications of the drone itself. The ANAFI UKR can fly for up to 70 minutes on a single charge thanks to its XLR Smart Battery. This is more than enough time to carry the drone from dispatch to scene stabilization, providing ground units with an aerial view the entire time. The XLR battery also allows for the drone to travel nearly 25 miles when fully charged, making DFR possible not only for urban and suburban communities, but for more rural areas as well. These specs aren’t just for show— the ANAFI UKR’s powerful build ensures that First Responders can stay informed for the entirety of a call without having to pause for a battery swap mid-incident.
Camera Capabilities
The core component of DFR is that it allows First Responders to get eyes on scene before ground units arrive, allowing them to discern whether or not a call warrants full Emergency Response, and preparing them for what awaits if units are needed. The ANAFI UKR’s 35x zoom camera and vibration neutralizing algorithms allow operators to distinguish details through stable live-streamed footage from nearly 500 feet away— far more distance than is necessary for most emergencies. Combined with a thermal sensor, this drone can follow a fleeing suspect, locate a missing persons, or assess a structure fire while maintaining a safe range, all before officers are even on the scene.
5G/LTE Connectivity
Getting a drone in the air is one thing, but maintaining reliable connectivity that allows for live-streamed video feed is another battle. Thankfully, the ANAFI UKR supports 5G LTE connectivity, with 4G fallback for unlimited connection range. This means that your agency can count on real-time aerial intelligence from anywhere in your community, delivered right to their mobile or desktop devices through Paladin Watchtower. The drone automatically switches between available connections, securing the strongest signal at any given moment. For agencies operating across multiple landscapes such as dense urban areas, forests, or highways, this clarity can be crucial. A livestream is only useful for First Responders if it is easily understood and delivered in real-time, after all.
Purpose-Built for What DFR Demands
The ANAFI UKR is ready 24/7 for immediate dispatch, so your agency never has to worry about availability. It has the ability to navigate with or without GPS, which is especially useful when a search extends to forests, public parks, or parking garages. Its built-in AI system provides object recognition and tracking, relieving officers of strenuous observation while the drone flies overhead.
For any agency looking to move past consumer-grade hardware and build a powerful, long-lasting DFR program to serve its community, Parrot’s ANAFI UKR is made for the mission. This drone is one of the most capable micro-UAVs available in the US today, holding up to operational scrutiny and making a place for itself among other, non-NDAA compliant drone options that may not be allowed to function in some territories.
Paladin provides a personalized DFR system to our clients, including hardware, software, 24/7 maintenance and support, and white glove compliance assistance. For more information on how the ANAFI UKR can fit into your agency’s everyday operations, book a demo with us to speak with our DFR specialists.
