Small But Mighty: What to Know About Parrot ANAFI USA
Often, military funding, research, and innovation directly translates into commercial and civilian applications. Following recent U.S. laws, Parrot’s ANAFI USA is one such beneficiary.
Citing growing security concerns, in 2018 the U.S. government chose to end the use of Chinese drone technology within their government fleets.
As a result, some of the industry’s heavy hitters, like DJI, suddenly found their products off-limits to military and government clients. This decision opened the door for drone manufacturers within the United States and other countries to access lucrative government contracts.
Building on the U.S. Army’s sUAS program, the Defense Innovation Unit launched Blue sUAS: a program to develop small UAVs for use in the Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program. Drones approved for the program need to be capable of vertical take-off and landing, have a low price point, and be rucksack portable.
One of the five companies selected as an approved vendor includes Parrot, with their ANAFI USA drone.
The ANAFI USA differs only slightly from the military version offered by Parrot as a part of the SRR program.
If you’re looking for enterprise solutions for commercial applications, or a tool for first responders, it’s time to check out the impressive abilities of Parrot’s ANAFI USA.
Parrot ANAFI USA is Rugged
Like all drones approved for the SRR program, the ANAFI USA is small and durable.
The drone weighs only 501 grams (just over 1 lb.), with a volumetric size of just 1.7 liters. It’s actually compact enough to fit into small backpacks with ease.
Although it’s lightweight and small, don’t let its size deceive you – there’s no sacrifice to its structural integrity.
Parrot’s UAV is rated at IP53, meaning it can fly in dusty and rainy conditions. Both enterprises clients and first responders appreciate the drone’s ability to fly in such harsh environments.
As proof of its durability, during testing, the ANAFI USA was still functional after 18 falls from a height of one meter onto concrete.
Made In the USA
In many ways as a company, Parrot has grown right along with the drone industry, adapting and changing with every improved technology.
Like many drone providers, the company started building drones as toys before developing more specialized commercial platforms.
Part of the company’s growth strategy has focused on developing manufacturing capability within the United States. While this might be a minor point for some users, it’s crucial when looking for federal grants.
First responder agencies within the United States often lack the budgetary resources to purchase equipment on their own. And although the ANAFI USA is affordable – priced around $7,000 for a complete system – some agencies simply don’t have the money.
When this is the case, government grants make up the difference, but typically require products to be manufactured domestically.
Because they’re made in the USA, these drones fit the bill.
ANAFI USA’s Specifications
The ANAFI USA comes with two RGB cameras, along with a thermal camera.
Equipped with a 21MP wide-angle camera and a second 21MP telephoto lens, it’s capable of capturing stunning 4K videos.
The camera also boasts a staggering 32X zoom, making it ideal for inspections of industrial facilities or dangerous situations such as fires or active shooter scenarios.
With its FLIR Boson 320X256 IR system, the thermal imaging payload also makes it perfect for situational awareness.
The ANAFI USA is rapidly deployed in under one minute, thanks to its folding design, and can fly for up to 32 minutes. It can even launch and land from the pilot’s hand, making it deployable in any location an operator may find themselves in.
Every detail was researched, thoughtfully designed, and thoroughly crafted. The propeller blades are even modeled after the fins of humpback whales. This design reduces the drone’s noise and lowers rotational speed, producing higher engine torque.
Finally, the drone is very easy to operate.
ANAFI USA works well indoors, with no built-in limitations for no-fly zones. Such flexibility is perfect for enterprise and first responder clients who are often forced to operate within controlled areas.
The Takeaways
Parrot’s ANAFI USA is an excellent platform to consider when supporting first responder missions or enterprise operations, such as industrial inspections.
With its size and ruggedness, it’s strong enough to be employed in dangerous environments like wildfires, but portable enough to be carried in a small pack wherever it is needed.
Users will appreciate the 32X zoom and thermal capabilities, making the company’s latest drone an impressive addition to the Parrot product line.
With drone options like the Parrot ANAFI USA, there’s no doubt that the future for UAVs will continue to soar.
So, which drone is right for you? And, how do you get started? Do you hire out or bring your drone program in-house?
At Consortiq, we help you find a better way with drones, from consultation and program implementation to actually doing the work for you.
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David Daly - Contributing Author
David Daly, is an award-winning photographer/writer and licensed (FAA) Commercial sUAS pilot. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, David is a former Marine Corps officer with a BS in Oceanography and has earned his MBA from the University of Redlands. David has worked for Fortune 100 companies and has a background in aerospace, construction, military/defense, real estate, and technology.
