Dragonfly Pictures company

Dragonfly Pictures, Inc. (DPI) is a company established in 1992 with a clear vision: to revolutionize aerial robotics, autonomy software, and command and control systems to improve digital image acquisition and mapping.

Initially, the company focused on addressing the high costs, operational complexity, and manpower requirements associated with traditional aerial platforms. In particular, DPI aimed to create smaller, more mobile, and versatile aerial systems that could be deployed from tactical vehicles, which would reduce the need for expensive fixed airfields and numerous ground operators. Their approach emphasized automation to reduce cognitive load on operators, allowing military personnel to focus on their core duties.

One of the key innovations DPI has introduced is the tethered UAS. These UAS allow for extended situational awareness through elevated sensors and antennas, while also overcoming GPS-degraded environments and being resistant to jamming. DPI’s tethered drones represent a strategic tool that enables tactical units to maintain persistent communication and coordination in the field, offering a crucial complement to traditional fiber and satellite communication systems.

In addition to their communication capabilities, DPI has integrated EO/IR gimbals with radar into their tethered drones. This system is designed to detect, identify, and track swarming drones early, providing critical information for choosing the appropriate response, whether through kinetic or non-kinetic means, with the assistance of AI/ML technologies.

DPI’s commitment to solving real-time, pressing challenges continues, and the company is poised to address future requirements for defense, communication, and robotics technologies as global dynamics evolve. Whether for military or commercial applications, DPI’s solutions ensure that distributed units can stay connected, operational, and ready to respond to the challenges of modern warfare.