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Key Specifications

• 8 Hours Endurance ~ 30kg Multi-Sensor Payload Bays
• 40km HD Data Link
• Rugged Design ~ Suitable for Windy Conditions
• Short Take-Off and Landing with Auto-landing Option
• Upgrade to 22 Hours Endurance (Fuel Cell)
• Upgrade to 160km Milspec Encrypted Data Links
• Finance Available through Aircraft Finance Corp

Mission Role and Design Intent

Dragonfly V is a highly configurable, rugged, fully electric long-endurance security and ISR platform designed for missions where semi-persistent coverage is required or where large or multiple payloads must be carried. It fills the gap between small UAS that are limited by size, weight and power, and larger systems that are costly or complex to deploy. With a 5.5 metre wingspan and a 60 kilogram maximum take-off weight, the aircraft provides meaningful endurance and payload flexibility while remaining operationally practical in field environments. The current demonstrator aircraft is painted in bright high-visibility colours to support flight testing and visual tracking during development. Production aircraft are finished in a glossy white scheme with carbon black trimmings, providing a clean operational appearance suitable for security and ISR deployments.

Endurance, Payload Capacity and Environmental Resilience

The platform delivers a typical endurance of six hours on battery, extending to approximately eight hours in ideal conditions. Its payload architecture is designed so that operators do not easily overrun size, weight or power limits. Dragonfly V supports substantial mission equipment including Starlink terminals, transponders, detect-and-avoid systems, and advanced sensor suites such as ISR gimbals, LiDAR and hyperspectral sensors. Three underwing payload pods can be fitted, each offering approximately 100 litres of internal volume, while the nose bay can accommodate up to 7.5 kilograms of dedicated sensor payload. This enables true multi-sensor configurations without compromising endurance or stability. Unlike many small UAV platforms where operators must choose between competing sensors due to strict size, weight and power constraints, Dragonfly V is designed to carry multiple mission systems simultaneously. ISR gimbals, LiDAR, hyperspectral sensors, detect-and-avoid systems, transponders and satellite communication terminals such as Starlink can be integrated together within the available payload volume and power envelope. The aircraft is Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capable and typically requires approximately 100 metres of prepared runway or strip for take-off and landing. Automated take-off and landing functionality is available as an upgrade for operations requiring reduced pilot workload or higher repeatability.

Modular Architecture and Upgrade Path

The base aircraft is battery-electric and supplied with two fully equipped battery pods. These pods are swappable in the field, allowing rapid turnaround between missions. Each pod incorporates its own battery management system, and an external charger unit is provided. The architecture has been designed with a clear upgrade path to hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. By replacing the battery pod with a hydrogen energy pod and integrating the dedicated refuelling kit, endurance can be extended to approximately 22 hours, enabling near-persistent operations without redesigning the aircraft.

Base Configuration and Supplied Equipment

The system is delivered complete and ready to fly with all primary components included. The package comprises one complete aircraft, two battery pods providing approximately six hours total endurance, and a charger unit. A dedicated carry case is supplied for transport and protection. The aircraft is paired with a handheld Android-based ground control station and integrated HD radio link with a typical operational range of up to 40 kilometres. A pilot FPV camera is installed for situational awareness, together with an ISR gimbal for primary mission sensing.

Ground Control, Communications and ISR Payload

The ground control and communications system is built around the SIYI UniRC 7 Pro integrated GCS, consisting of an Android-based handheld unit and an aircraft air unit with built-in Ethernet for video and direct connection to a Cube flight controller. The system operates on dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies and is ICASA approved through Flying Robot. The handheld features a 1920 × 1200 high-resolution touchscreen with daylight visibility up to 1600 nits. Transmission power is adjustable up to 1 watt, supporting link distances of up to 40 kilometres under suitable conditions. The controller runs Android 13 and supports native operation of mission planning software such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner, with HDMI output for external displays, USB-A for peripherals, and a LAN port for network integration. The ISR gimbal provides stabilised high-definition electro-optical video with integrated zoom capability and real-time video downlink over the HD link, enabling surveillance, inspection and security missions in demanding operational environments. The platform can be upgraded to a mil-spec certified autopilot featuring dead reckoning capability and resistance to GNSS jamming. Military-grade encrypted radio links and premium ISR gimbals are also available for customers requiring higher assurance, hardened communications and enhanced sensing performance.

Financing 

Finance Available through Aircraft Finance Corp. 

Technical Summary Tables

Aircraft Specifications

Supplied System Components

Radio Link and Ground Control Specifications

ISR Gimbal Specifications