Aero News Network's Editor-in-Chief, Jim Campbell, takes a moment to speak with Jon McBride, Director of Training at Autel Robotics. The drone manufacturer has had a solid 2021 in the lead up to AUVSI XPO, placing their Dragonfish fixed-wing UAV with the Lee County Sheriff's office in Fort Meyers, Florida.
Their first partnership with a law enforcement agency should yield dividends in future drone development as real-world lessons and operational considerations are brought to the fore in service. The Dragonfish has proven capable and long-legged in flight, with a flight time of 120 minutes. What users really appreciate, McBride says, is its ease of operation and hardy performance.
Unlike many light, multi-rotor UAVs, that can be a challenge to launch in gusty wind conditions, the drone’s aerodynamics lend it to ready, quick entry into service as it weathervanes into the wind for immediate takeoff.
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ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (08.27.25)
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