Dragonfly Pictures Inc.

Dragonfly Pictures Inc. operates as DPI UAV Systems. The company continues a rotorcraft legacy that spans 75 years. It has dedicated more than three decades to developing advanced unmanned aerial systems for defense and commercial applications. DPI has earned more than 20 SBIR contracts. These include multiple Phase II and Phase III awards.

DPI specializes in tethered drone solutions. These systems use a physical cable to provide continuous power and secure high bandwidth data to the aircraft. This connection eliminates the endurance limits and signal weaknesses common to battery powered free flying drones. Tethered systems can remain airborne for hours or even days. They provide uninterrupted situational awareness, reliable communications links, and stable overwatch for both mobile and fixed operations.

The company produces three flagship tethered UAS platforms. LANTERN integrates electro optical and infrared cameras along with radio payloads. It supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and extended communications. VULTURE enables command and control capabilities beyond line of sight for maritime operations. UMAR performs similar communications relay functions for naval vessels. LANTERN operates at max altitudes up to 200 feet. VULTURE and UMAR both operate up to 500 feet.

DPI designed these systems for the United States Navy and the United States Army. The tethered drones have been tested in both CONUS and OCONUS operationally relevant environments. LANTERN supported United States Army and NATO exercises throughout Europe. UMAR performed over the horizon high bandwidth communications relay between United States ships and unmanned vessels. In 2024, DPI delivered VULTURE to the United States Navy after successful pre delivery trials.

Beyond manufacturing, DPI offers unmanned aerial systems design and test services. The company provides rapid engineering design, prototyping, and testing for unmanned aerial vehicles. Its services cover aerodynamic performance analysis, structural design, electrical system design, and automation. DPI also integrates customer specific payloads. These include radios, LIDAR, electro optical and infrared sensors, three dimensional acoustic sensors, and magnetic anomaly detectors. Each integration requires mechanical mounting, software, electrical work, shielding, and communications interfaces.

DPI holds several patents for its technologies. These include patents related to tethered drone systems and a tandem rigid rotor system. The company is ISO 9001:2015 compliant for quality management practices. This compliance supports reliable production, rigorous inspection, and mission ready performance.

Services

• Tethered UAS design
• Engineering design
• Prototyping
• UAS testing
• Aerodynamic performance
• Structural design
• Electrical system design
• Automation
• Payload integration
• Communications relay