senseFly, the global leader in fixed-wing mapping drones, has announced the launch of eBee TAC, an advanced fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) optimized for covert tactical mapping operations in defense, security and governmental sectors. The eBee TAC offers active field personnel access to accurate and reliable location data and maps, delivering the field intelligence and situational awareness needed to act with confidence and precision across rapidly-changing environments. More importantly, the eBee TAC is fully National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant.
At just 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs), eBee TAC is a lightweight, ultra-portable and robust solution specially designed for tactical mapping and analysis in defense applications and its product platform is currently employed by U.S. forces. With up to 90 minutes of flight time and a single flight coverage of up to 500 ha at 122m (1,236 A at 400 ft.), it is ideal for long-range Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, with the capability to integrate with situational awareness tools such as ATAK.
Adding to powerful flight and integration capabilities, eBee TAC includes enhanced security features to protect field operations. The included eMotion flight and mission planning software enables operations in disconnected environments and employs Advanced Encryption Standard 256[1] (AES-256) to prevent communications hacking between the UAS and its control station. Silent radio mission mode can be activated to minimize UAS detection during flights, while a No Log Mode suppresses flight recordings.
The eBee TAC features a unique digital camouflage (“digicam”) skin for increased stealth during missions and can be rapidly deployed from assembly to hand-launch in just three minutes and operated by one person in the field for added agility. Its included backpack offers durable protection and portability for the UAS and its components between locations.
With its mission-directed suite of swappable sensors, eBee TAC allows operators to collect thermal, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and RGB data that can be immediately used via the on-board SD card for analysis and rapid decision-making. This aerial data can be processed using photogrammetry software to generate high-resolution topographic maps and 3D models of landscape terrain, high-value points of interest and other outputs which provide enhanced situational awareness.
“Traditional mapping tools, such as quadcopters or short-range surveillance drones, lack the capabilities to perform mid-range mapping reconnaissance tasks, particularly in environments that are difficult to navigate,” comments Benjamin Pinguet, Product and Solution Manager at senseFly. “Together with our partner, Tough Stump Technologies, we have listened to the needs of field personnel to ensure that the eBee TAC is purpose-built for the tactical mapping demands of defense applications. We’re confident that this is the best product to suit their needs.”
senseFly recently announced its distribution partnership with Tough Stump Technologies, a veteran-owned business based in North Carolina, USA, specializing in remote sensing, situational awareness and mobile communications. The eBee TAC is offered to U.S. customers as part of its ARTEMIS (Aerial Reconnaissance Tactical Edge Mapping Imagery System) solution, alongside the eBee X and senseFly’s extensive portfolio of UAS sensors, to suit a range of tactical mapping operations. It can also be purchased as a standalone product directly from senseFly.
Jarrett Heavenston, co-founder/CEO at Tough Stump Technologies adds, “senseFly is unique and their global network means we can count on them for support anywhere in the world. We’re learning a lot from each other, helping to push the boundaries of technology and make fixed-wing UAS an essential tactical mapping tool for government agencies in the field.”
As with all senseFly professional UAS, eBee TAC customers receive access to senseFly’s global distribution network of customer and technical support, its team of in-house experts and an extensive library of online training resources, including the newly launched e-Learning Training Platform and senseFly Certified Operator Program.
For more information on the eBee TAC, as well as senseFly’s wider product portfolio, visit www.sensefly.com.
To find out more about the ARTEMIS solution, visit www.toughstump.com.
