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01 December 2025
The <a href="https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elton John AIDS Foundation</a> (EJAF) today celebrates <a href="https://www.zipline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zipline</a>'s $150 million funding from the U.S. State Department to triple its lifesaving drone delivery network, a milestone that builds on the Foundation's catalytic early support and cements their role in pioneering drone-enabled HIV care across Africa. The award is based on a first-of-its-kind pay-for-performance model, demonstrating how early philanthropic support helped underscore Zipline's growing impact.
From the outset, EJAF was an early supporter of Zipline's entry into Kenya, paving the way for national and international funders to follow and enable the expansion of Zipline's groundbreaking model across the continent. Rwanda is expected to be the first country to expand under this new model, marking the beginning of continent-wide scale that could triple Zipline's network from 5,000 to 15,000 health facilities and reach 100 million people.
<h5>Impact Since EJAF's 2023 Support</h5>
Kenya and Nigeria at a glance...
<ul type="disc">
<li>125,000 people reached with HIV interventions</li>
<li>90,000 people reached with prevention tools</li>
<li>38,600 adolescents and young adults tested for HIV</li>
<li>8,600 at-risk adolescents and young adults initiated on PrEP</li>
<li>86,000 antiretrovirals delivered via drone</li>
</ul>
"From the beginning, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has stood with communities too often left behind, without the healthcare they urgently need and deserve," said Elton John, Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "Zipline's innovative approach to delivering medical care is exactly the kind of work our Foundation exists to champion. We were their first philanthropic partner in Kenya and have helped them build a network there - and in other countries across Africa - that ensures people living with HIV get access to the treatment they need every single day. By reaching people where they are and harnessing technology to deliver care, our program shows what's possible and gives people everywhere a real chance at a future free from HIV."
The Foundation first supported Zipline in 2023, recognizing the potential of Zipline's drone technology to break down barriers to care. The Foundation was Zipline's first partner in Kenya and has since expanded collaboration to Nigeria, ensuring people living with HIV, particularly young people and LGBTQ+ communities, receive testing, prevention, and treatment services directly in their communities.
"Stigma and discrimination keep too many young people in Sub-Saharan Africa from the care they deserve. For someone like 24-year-old Charles Atieno, our partnership with Zipline is a lifeline," said David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "Charles can learn his status, access contraceptives, or pick up a self-test kit right where he plays football - without fear, judgment, or a long trip to a clinic. This is exactly why we backed Zipline early. By supporting their entry into Kenya, we helped generate the evidence and confidence that made this major governmental investment possible. Today's milestone shows what happens when innovation meets compassion: young people thrive, and global partners step up."
Independent&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4566467-1&amp;h=2135761027&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fssir.org%2Farticles%2Fentry%2Fzipline-health-innovations-africa&amp;a=research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> shows Zipline's system also strengthens wider health outcomes &mdash; from reducing stockouts to cutting maternal mortality - demonstrating how the same innovation improving HIV care has far-reaching impact.
"Years ago, the Foundation made a bold investment in Zipline's game-changing technology because we knew they could deliver testing and treatment to communities that traditional supply chains simply couldn't reach," said Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "Today, we're proud to see our support in their pilot has evolved into a self-sustaining system that will outlast any single grant. Our transformative partnership has created something much bigger than a program - it's built into a legacy that will continue to save thousands of lives. This is our path to an AIDS-free world: funding innovations that become permanent solutions."
"The Elton John AIDS Foundation is an extraordinary philanthropic partner. They backed a simple but radical idea: bring HIV medicines to where people are instead of making them come to you, especially in places where stigma keeps too many away," said Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline Africa. "Their early support proved how centralized, on-demand delivery can reach people living with HIV privately, reliably, and cost-effectively - whether that's at home, at work, or on the sidelines of a soccer game. With Zipline's rapid expansion fueled by the U.S. State Department award, there are now dozens of opportunities for donors to follow EJAF's lead - providing catalytic, one-time investments that help African governments solve intractable health challenges and bridge the gap to self-sustainability."
"Imagine ending HIV transmission in a continent. We now have the tools to do it: visionary leaders, medications with 100% effectiveness, and on-demand delivery that can get the right medicine to anyone, anywhere," said Keller Rinaudo Clifton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline. "Thanks to bold partners like the U.S. State Department, African governments and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we're making that dream a reality."
<h5>About the Elton John AIDS Foundation</h5>
The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organizations in the world. The Foundation's mission is simple: an end to the AIDS epidemic. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to overcoming the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keep us from ending AIDS. With the mobilization of our network of generous supporters and partners, we fund local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections and provide treatment, as well as informing government strategies to end AIDS.
<h5>About Zipline</h5>
Zipline is the world&rsquo;s largest and most experienced autonomous delivery service. Today Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and serves more than 5,000 hospitals and health facilities. Zipline's customers include federal and state health systems, health care institutions, restaurants and retailers. With more than 120 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown to date, Zipline is transforming access to healthcare, consumer products, and food. Our customers rely on Zipline to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide new logistics services at scale.
For years Zipline has worked with visionary governments and philanthropic organizations willing to take bold action to improve health outcomes for tens of millions of people. Partners include the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, Pfizer, and The UPS Foundation, which have helped Zipline and its partner governments develop a wealth of empirical evidence that advances our understanding of how improved supply chain performance increases timely treatment and ultimately saves lives. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://zipline.com/africa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zipline.com/Africa</a>.
<h5>More News on the Zipline Deal</h5>
Zipline, an American robotics company that designs, manufactures, and operates the world&rsquo;s largest autonomous delivery system, today announced a landmark agreement with the U.S. Department of State to expand its life-saving drone delivery service across Africa &ndash; a proven and more affordable way to improve health outcomes. At full scale, the partnership could triple the number of hospitals and health facilities Zipline serves (from 5,000&nbsp; to 15,000) and provide up to 130 million people with instant access to blood and medications.&nbsp;
Under a new pay-for-performance model &mdash; a first-of its kind from the State Department &mdash; Zipline will receive up to $150 million to expand its AI and robotics infrastructure that enables African governments to provide 24/7 delivery of essential medical supplies to hospitals and health facilities. As buyers of the service African countries will pay up to $400 million in utilization fees. Funding will be released only when governments sign expansion contracts and commit to pay for ongoing logistics services to ensure long-term sustainability.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We started Zipline to build a logistics system that serves all people equally. Today the U.S. government is doubling down on our work, and using our AI, robotics and autonomous logistics system to improve health outcomes,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline. &ldquo;For years presidents and prime ministers have told me they want the best of what America has to offer: innovation, jobs and 21st century technology to leapfrog into the future. That has always been America&rsquo;s unique value proposition and today, the State Department is making that happen.&rdquo;
&ldquo;This partnership is an example of the innovative, results-driven partnership at the core of the America First foreign assistance agenda. With modest U.S. capital investment support, these five countries will become responsible for maintaining and continuing to invest in a transformative American-built health commodities supply chain network,&rdquo; said ​​Under Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom Jeremy Lewin. &ldquo;By strategically deploying assistance resources to catalyze private capital, incentivize local buy-in, and champion American businesses, President Trump&rsquo;s foreign assistance agenda is bringing developing economies into the 21st century and helping America win the race for the technologies of tomorrow at the same time.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Scaling Proven Impact&nbsp;Poor logistics hinders the movement of critical goods and services that people need to live and thrive. Zipline&rsquo;s infrastructure is proven to deliver better health outcomes by solving the root of many public health challenges: slow, unreliable and analog logistics that often leaves blood, medications and supplies out of stock or spoiled.&nbsp;
Since its first delivery in 2016, Zipline&rsquo;s autonomous logistics system &mdash; designed and manufactured in the U.S. &mdash; has completed 1.8 million autonomous deliveries with zero safety incidents. With Zipline, hospitals, health facilities, and community health workers have on-demand access to a world-class pharmacy from nearly any location. Independent research shows its impact:
<ul>
<li>
Tens of thousands of lives have been saved through on-demand delivery&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Maternal deaths cut by&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4214918" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to</a><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4214918" target="null">&nbsp;</a><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186/s12913-025-12479-1?sharing_token=YoYeeCFtBCzJFUzMyXq6qG_BpE1tBhCbnbw3BuzI2RME4g4J3KC4obXydI1hbKMRkSSYBGnOWMfSDG03SAYglrg1nJ8tlJuuagIjljn7zrFc0m3i6KRsH10oTVOZUMyMh1QqL6YZhXfdbn8qAD6YQY4oZASpbYl-sjOlakop1RRyd_lfIR775DueoKP_Hg-J" target="null">56%</a>&nbsp;in Zipline-supported health facilities&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Stockouts of medicine and vaccines&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.idinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Zipline-Brief-FINAL-Digital-v3-2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduced by 60%</a>&nbsp;where Zipline delivers&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Immunization rates&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X23007016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased 13-37 percentage points</a>&nbsp;in areas where Zipline operates&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Zipline was found to be one of the&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.valuehealthregionalissues.com/article/S2212-1099%2824%2900099-2/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most cost-effective immunization interventions</a>&nbsp;ever studied, measured in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
In some places where Zipline operates in Africa, the average time between when a health facility places an order to when it is delivered is 13 days. Zipline cut that to under 30 minutes for the facilities it serves in the country.&nbsp;
Since 2016, federal and state ministries of health in Africa have procured and paid for Zipline&rsquo;s services to achieve health and economic improvements in their countries. This expansion backs these countries&rsquo; visions and multiplies the impact of African leaders and their domestic investments.&nbsp;
The partnership with the State Department signals a new era of commercial diplomacy&nbsp;&mdash; one that uses U.S. innovation to drive global health and economic development. This is also the State Department&rsquo;s first award that uses AI, robotics and autonomous logistics to improve health outcomes. Rwanda is expected to be the first country to sign an agreement under this new model.
&ldquo;African governments are choosing to invest their own resources in Zipline because it works, and it&rsquo;s incredible value for money. It solves intractable global health challenges like maternal mortality, malnutrition, and under 5 mortality,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline&rsquo;s Africa business. &ldquo;This award marks a pivotal moment in foreign aid &mdash; the U.S. government is backing Africa&rsquo;s vision, building the infrastructure Africa wants, and accelerating the adoption of American innovation that&rsquo;s proven to work and recognized as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions ever studied. It will forever change the trajectory of human health and development in Africa.&rdquo;
The American financing will support the construction of new Zipline hubs, and will be released only after an African government has committed to expanding Zipline&rsquo;s operations in their country to meet agreed upon metrics for success. Each Zipline hub is a permanent piece of infrastructure, staffed entirely by local employees, which creates skilled local jobs and drives economic growth.&nbsp;
"Rwanda and Zipline have been working together for years to harness technology for the good of our people. We have witnessed the extraordinary impact of drone delivery &mdash; saving time, saving money, and saving lives,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Minister Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Government of Rwanda. &ldquo;With this partnership, we will now expand to urban delivery, bringing these benefits to even more communities. We thank the U.S. Government for supporting Zipline&rsquo;s expansion and for joining us in building the foundation for Africa&rsquo;s future in healthcare and innovation.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;With more than 200 million people, Nigeria faces unique challenges and opportunities in delivering healthcare equitably and efficiently. Existing Zipline operations in three Nigerian states have shown how drone delivery can transform access to healthcare &mdash; eliminating stockouts, creating new service points even where there is no health facility, driving growth in facility visits and treatment rates, and improving treatment success and health outcomes,&rdquo; said&nbsp;
Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria. &ldquo;We applaud the U.S. Government&rsquo;s support for innovations like Zipline that can potentially advance our vision for a healthier, more equitable future for our people and are in discussions to find a sustainable path working together.&rdquo;
"In C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire, our priority is to guarantee every citizen rapid, reliable, and equitable access to essential health products.&ldquo; Since the launch of Zipline&rsquo;s operations in our country, we have witnessed the concrete impact of medical drone delivery: shorter supply times, improved availability of vital products, strengthened capacities of our health facilities, and better services delivered to our populations, including those in rural and remote areas. With the expansion of this partnership, we now aim to amplify these results and extend these benefits to an even larger number of communities across the entire territory,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Pierre Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage of C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire. &ldquo;This approach is fully aligned with our vision of a modern, resilient health system capable of innovating to meet tomorrow&rsquo;s needs. We also welcome the support of the United States Government in advancing this effort, which contributes to strengthening our health sovereignty and building an Ivorian model of excellence in health innovation.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Today autonomous logistics reaches less than 1% of the global population. This award comes one step closer to closing that gap, and it&rsquo;s only the beginning.&nbsp;
There is a massive opportunity to bring autonomous logistics to billions of people worldwide. This award is designed to be easily replicated by those who work in foreign aid and philanthropy: scale what works, pay for results, and enable countries to thrive long term.
When Zipline made its first delivery in 2016 it was seen as a crazy experiment. Now, the largest government in the world is doubling down on what Zipline is building and with the support of America and Africa, autonomous logistics is becoming the backbone of tomorrow's infrastructure around the world.

Elton John AIDS Foundation celebrates Zipline's $150 million funding

Trending News

01 December 2025
The potential ban of DJI drones in the United States is coming fast, and it has been big news.
We've done our part to try to keep you informed, as well as attempt to limit misinformation and fear lurking in user groups, influencer content, and even respected media outlets.
So much data to parse, and we likely won't know for sure what this all means to DJI fans, pilots, hobbyists, and the general drone market until the U.S. government actually hands down a decision.&nbsp;
Below, we've compiled some of the DJI-related YouTube videos within the past three weeks to provide our community with the latest news.
The reports belong to the various influencers&mdash;in the spirit of providing an unfetered dialog, we haven't fact checked anyone&mdash;so keep in mind that some "news" may be opinions and speculation, and some data may be accurate and vital. Please do your own follow-up research to determine whether a datapoint is reliable in how it may relate to you personally, or the droning community in general.
Whether the DJI debacle races to a conclusion on December 23 of this year, or gets punted to another deadline for further study, absorbing the various info threads should be critical for all drone pilots&mdash;whether they currently fly American drones or drones made in China (or any other country).
We've tried to make it easy for you to see the most recent YouTube chatter on the subject...
<h5>Dig In!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 679px; height: 382px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PeLJYY7QXGY?si=9BV-KoQlcSX38tn3" width="679" height="382" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 681px; height: 383px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XIR98V8Vtrc?si=LmmgH-V6l562qPTT" width="681" height="383" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 679px; height: 382px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fq4EY-hg4GU?si=gMZwk9rCr9Wiq5Hb" width="679" height="382" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7f9RhNbvDUE?si=cYdXMDBT0iNecgLF" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 679px; height: 382px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r1lR_5usK0w?si=Iqz6m8esetan4giL" width="679" height="382" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 681px; height: 383px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D5S7vt5Uisg?si=eqxkky8zIcrXSccC" width="681" height="383" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ViSavX8lDMY?si=uMxGw-ggFX9-u8pM" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jisc5zuaKW4?si=9mwOPQ_4t3i6lRtx" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 674px; height: 379px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SXm7MvpBLog?si=hpQ9TMr5l8_sLhN6" width="674" height="379" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 672px; height: 378px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A5yZlaTR5xI?si=IhatYnKtPPVYvvcW" width="672" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h5>Read The Droning Company Reports on the DJI Ban</h5>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/grounded-in-hope-the-unbreakable-spirit-of-the-drone-community" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/grounded-in-hope-the-unbreakable-spirit-of-the-drone-community</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/dont-believe-everything-you-hear-about-chinese-drones-in-the-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/dont-believe-everything-you-hear-about-chinese-drones-in-the-us</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/the-fcc-s-game-changing-vote" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/the-fcc-s-game-changing-vote</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/can-dji-beat-the-u-s-drone-ban-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/can-dji-beat-the-u-s-drone-ban-</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/opinion-the-dji-situation-and-my-hope-moving-forward" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/opinion-the-dji-situation-and-my-hope-moving-forward</a>

Top 10 YouTube Updates About The DJI Ban

28 November 2025
Apparently, the fire-breathing winged creatures who were to soar above Universal Orlando's Epic Universe for its How to Train Your Dragon world need more training.
When the Isle of Berk attraction that celebrates the movie's theme opened on May 22, however, there were no dragons in sight.&nbsp;
As of press time, fans of the film&mdash;as well as everyone who loves immersive theme park experiences&mdash;have yet to witness the drone-powered dragons.
It has been a disappointing development&mdash;especially as some pretty stunning footage has been leaked showing the dragon Hookfang on the ground (<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@wesh2orlando/video/7481706438268652843?embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121497414%2C121477481%2C121351166%2C121487028%2C121679410%2C73347566%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%2C121503376%3Bnull%3Bembed_pause_share&amp;refer=embed&amp;referer_url=wdwnt.com%2F2025%2F03%2Fbreaking-first-look-at-flying-dragon-drone-coming-to-universal-epic-universe%2F%3F&amp;referer_video_id=7481706438268652843" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click to see him here</a>) and in flight (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Eb4SQywHQUI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">view the video here</a>).&nbsp;
But getting a drone dressed up as a dragon to fly safely around the park was far more challenging then initially considered&mdash;a situation explained in the Peacock documentary, <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.peacocktv.com/blog/epic-ride-the-story-of-universal-theme-parks-release-date-trailer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks.</a>
"Our engineering team came to me in 2017 or 2018 and said, 'Hey you&rsquo;re doing a dragon&rsquo;s land&mdash;if we were going to do a drone, how fun would that be?'" says&nbsp;Katy Pacitti,&nbsp;Executive Producer, How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk in the documentary. "And I&rsquo;m like, 'Let&rsquo;s do it.'&nbsp;You&rsquo;re making this world where you&rsquo;ve got dragons that just sort of fly around every day, so why wouldn't you want to try and recreate that? People grew up with these movies, and we need to deliver."
Soon, the team realized doing exactly that was not a small feat.&nbsp;
"He's not flying right now because we wanted to put in larger battery packs," explains Pacitti from the Hookfang workshop. "We also want the drone to have flapping wings so it seems more life-like."
Another challenge is one faced by companies rolling out drone delivery programs&mdash;noise.
"This is an industrial drone," says Pacitti. "It&rsquo;s not something you&rsquo;re going to get under the Christmas tree. So, it's loud&mdash;like a helicopter flying above&mdash;and we are trying to make it not so loud.
That's not all. For Hookfang&mdash;and other dragons&mdash;to fly continuously, the wind is an issue.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/n2nT55oEMuByWJBx7FTk8HH8uk8UecpKpL3Gurlq.png" alt="" width="637" height="271" />
Then, there's the shape and action of the dragon/drone. The wingspan is ten feet&mdash;five feet in each direction&mdash;and the dragon's wings, head, and neck are moving simultaneously. Programming a drone for flight, animation, and weather has been challenging.
&ldquo;Hookfang is the only working unit right now," Associate Engineer of Ride and Show Alec DiLiello revealed in the documentary. "The risk of flying it non-tethered and not mounted to anything is a little bit of a stressful situation, but it&rsquo;s going to be very rewarding once it all works."
"There&rsquo;s still a lot to do," added Pacitti.
But if the leaked footage is any indication of what's to be, dragons flying over the park's Isle of Berk are going to be worth the engineering hassles. After all, experiencing the impossible is one of the glorious features of great theme parks.
<h5>Witness the Isle of Berk Preview</h5>
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qk3G19WpHOA?si=TYi54d6t_pyLGrTy" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Where have all the dragons gone?

28 November 2025
<a href="https://uvisionuav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uvision Group</a>, a global pioneer in smart integrated systems, has announced &nbsp;the complete acquisition of <a href="https://spearuav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SpearUAV</a>, an Israeli defense tech company, developer of encapsulated AI-based loitering systems. The acquisition marks another significant step in Uvision&rsquo;s continued expansion, and in its strategy to deliver a comprehensive, multi-layered approach of loitering munitions across all domains to customers around the globe.
This acquisition will accelerate SpearUAV&rsquo;s ability to realize its vision as the integral "battalion-level air force", providing persistent support and operational reach It is centered on the Viper family of encapsulated AI-driven loitering systems that bring reconnaissance, attack, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) advanced capabilities,&nbsp; amplifying multi-Mission dominance across air, ground, sea and Sub-sea domains.
The Viper family and product portfolio complement Uvision&rsquo;s HERO family of Loitering Munitions, together forming an integrated suite of systems that can set new versatile solutions for the growing demand in the global defense market. While HERO systems address missions at higher echelons, providing precision surveillance, target acquisition, and strike capabilities for tactical and operational formations, Viper systems focus on lower tactical levels, including units operating from ground vehicles, navy vessels and submarines.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/mN0h55Hye4Jw2zQ1fm9e7WjViPm5jr3yjoFfxYEL.jpg" alt="" width="465" height="394" />
HERO 120
Dr. Ran Gozali, CEO of Uvision, stated: &ldquo;We have great confidence in SpearUAV&rsquo;s management team, technologies, innovation and capabilities. Over recent years, Spear&rsquo;s strategy has aligned closely with our long-term vision. As UVision continues to expand - including our recent move into a new facility with advanced production, R&amp;D and testing infrastructure &mdash; the merger strengthens our ability to deliver a robust and versatile product portfolio. By combining forces, we will deliver strong, versatile product portfolio and integrated solutions with greater operational impact and value to our customers.&rdquo;
Yiftach Kleinman, CEO of SpearUAV, added: &ldquo;Since Uvision&rsquo;s initial strategic investment four years ago, our collaboration has proven very effective and successful. This acquisition is first and foremost an achievement of SpearUAV&rsquo;s team, whose innovation and professionalism - utilizing the vision of our founder, Gadi Kuperman - have positioned the company today as a global leader in encapsulated loitering weapon systems. Joining forces under the Uvision group will allow us to expand our reach and deliver greater value to global customers".
<h5>About UvisionAir Ltd</h5>
Uvision group designs and manufactures combat-proven smart integrated systems, providing military organizations around the globe with precise and effective operational attack capabilities. Its innovative, cost-effective systems are based on cutting-edge technology and 30 years of extensive field experience by military professionals, engineers, and management.
The HERO series of systems provides high-precision strike capabilities, based on unique aerodynamic platform configurations, flight qualities for precision-attack, integrated advanced airborne guidance, navigation and computer vision algorithms.
Uvision group offers a common operating system that allows mission management, that can be integrated with any host C4I system &ndash; thereby meeting the requirements of today&rsquo;s modern battlefield for combat in complex and dynamic environments.
The HERO series of loitering munitions is suitable for tactical and strategic targets ‒ whether for short, medium or long-range &ndash; utilizing a variety of warheads to ensure maximum mission effectiveness. The units are operationally deployed and combat proven. ISO certified, Uvision is fully committed to providing turnkey solutions to its extensive network of partners and customers around the world, with high-quality service and customer support.
<h5>About SpearUAV</h5>
SpearUAV Ltd. is a system house, specializing in encapsulated, AI-based loitering weapon systems for cross-domain applications - ground, air, sea, and sub-sea.
Spear provides military customers, organizations, and governments around the globe with a unique, field-proven, MIL-STD solutions. Spear&rsquo;s solutions are at the core of the emerging &ldquo;Organic Air Force&rdquo; for battalion level, empowering maneuvering forces with autonomous, on-demand capabilities such as loitering munitions, ISR, EW, and more.

Uvision acquires SpearUAV

27 November 2025
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Droning Company</h3>

Thankful for our pilot community!

26 November 2025&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.avinc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AeroVironment, Inc.</a> will participate in the upcoming Goldman Sachs&rsquo; Industrials and Materials Conference in New York, New York. AV&rsquo;s chairman, president and chief executive officer, Wahid Nawabi, and AV&rsquo;s executive vice president and chief financial officer, Kevin McDonnell, will take part in a fireside chat on December 3 at 8:00 a.m. ET | 9:00 a.m. CT | 11:00 a.m. PT.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Y5XPcIWegFTGTcZOAO1l3haQ4Cb9GnKlmGa3Anhn.jpg" alt="" width="140" height="154" />
CFO Kevin McDonnell
The fireside chat will be available by webcast at the times listed above and archived on our website at the below link:
&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1743769&amp;tp_key=1d5ab1b1b3&amp;tp_special=8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK TO JOIN THE CHAT ON DECEMBER 3</a></h2>
<h5>&nbsp;</h5>
<h5>About AeroVironment, Inc.</h5>
AeroVironment is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities&mdash;built to meet the mission needs of today&rsquo;s warfighter and tomorrow&rsquo;s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance.&nbsp;

AeroVironment to Present at Industrials and Materials Conference

26 November 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/chris-fravel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Chris "The Drone Geek" Fravel</a>
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 rules establish the framework for safe commercial drone operations in the United States. While the standard is the 400-foot altitude limit above ground level (AGL), a provisional exception significantly expands a pilot's operational ceiling &ndash; giving them the ability to fly an additional 400 feet above a large structure.
This rule is crucial for commercial pilots (and commercial pilots only). It allows a Part 107 remote pilot to fly up to 400 feet above the topmost point of a structure, provided the drone remains within a 400-foot horizontal radius of that structure. For example, if you are inspecting a 600-foot tall skyscraper, you can legally fly up to 1,000 feet AGL, as long as your drone stays within 400 feet horizontally of the building. This flexibility is indispensable for specific missions.
<h5>Unpacking the Rule: Key Elements</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/ZYojCLb3XdTNsqAAdeqHn2gIRfNQGBBHQWLb43EJ.png" alt="" width="462" height="421" />
Understanding the precise legal language of this exception is mandatory for compliance:
<ul>
<li>"Above the topmost point of a structure": The 400-foot allowance is measured from the highest point of the structure, not the ground. A 300-foot tower allows a maximum altitude of 700 feet AGL (300 feet structure height + 400 feet allowance).</li>
<li>"Within a 400-foot horizontal radius of that structure": This defines the lateral boundary. Your drone must operate within a 400-foot cylindrical "bubble" around the structure. Exiting this radius requires immediate descent to below 400 feet AGL.</li>
<li>"Large structure": While Part 107 does not provide a specific minimum height, the intent is for structures that genuinely require a higher altitude for effective inspection or photography. Acceptable examples include cellular towers, wind turbines, bridges, and high-rise buildings; a typical single-family home would not qualify. The structure must be of a height where exceeding 400 feet AGL is necessary for the operation.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Scenarios Where This Rule Shines</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/PZlOjz30eREVr3AFRW56AORWwMn1LT8ES8rlDpRl.png" alt="" width="462" height="421" />
The additional 400-foot rule unlocks powerful operational capabilities across several industries.
<h5>Infrastructure Inspection</h5>
This rule is vital for inspecting tall vertical assets that exceed the standard 400-foot AGL limit. Operations include:
<ul>
<li>Cellular Towers and Communication Masts: Allows comprehensive inspection of antennas and structural integrity hundreds of feet above the ground.</li>
<li>Wind Turbines: Facilitates efficient and safe assessment of massive turbine blades for damage or fatigue.</li>
<li>Bridges and Overpasses: Enables detailed inspection of the highest points, cables, and complex support structures of large suspension bridges.</li>
<li>Skyscrapers and High-Rise Buildings: Makes exterior fa&ccedil;ade and roof condition assessments of buildings over 400 feet possible.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Construction Monitoring and Filming</h5>
The increased altitude provides better context and scale for various projects:
<ul>
<li>Construction Progress Monitoring: Capture high-altitude oblique shots and comprehensive overhead views of high-rise developments or large industrial complexes.</li>
<li>Real Estate and Media: Achieve unique aerial perspectives for high-rise commercial properties, hotels, landmarks, and expansive industrial facilities for marketing, documentaries, and commercials.</li>
<li>Surveying and Mapping: While most mapping is low-altitude, higher data capture points can be beneficial for creating complex 3D models of tall vertical assets.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Pros and Cons of Utilizing This Rule</h5>
Employing this advanced capability requires a balanced assessment of its advantages and the accompanying risks.
<table style="height: 605.454px;" width="615">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 98.1818px;">
<td style="height: 98.1818px;" width="281">
Pros
</td>
<td style="height: 98.1818px;" width="333">
Cons
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 130.909px;">
<td style="height: 130.909px;" width="281">
Enhanced Data Collection: Acquiring comprehensive visual data on structures otherwise unreachable.
</td>
<td style="height: 130.909px;" width="333">
Increased Risk of Airspace Conflicts: Higher altitudes increase the likelihood of encountering manned aircraft (helicopters, general aviation).
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 130.909px;">
<td style="height: 130.909px;" width="281">
Improved Safety: Drones offer a safer, more cost-effective alternative to helicopters or scaffolding for inspections.
</td>
<td style="height: 130.909px;" width="333">
Greater Impact of Wind: Wind speeds increase with altitude, leading to more challenging operations, faster battery drain, and higher risk of loss of control.
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 114.545px;">
<td style="height: 114.545px;" width="281">
Wider Field of View: Provides a broader perspective ideal for overall site context and cinematic shots.
</td>
<td style="height: 114.545px;" width="333">
Line-of-Sight Challenges (VLOS): More difficult to maintain visual line of sight at extreme altitudes or behind large structures.
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 130.909px;">
<td style="height: 130.909px;" width="281">
Increased Versatility: Allows pilots to offer a wider, more competitive range of services.
</td>
<td style="height: 130.909px;" width="333">
Strict Adherence Required: Any momentary deviation from the 400-foot horizontal radius necessitates an immediate and often rapid descent.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Why Judicious Use is Paramount</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/1t9VwHUMcLhEKcW4jI9pfH4xZMPCft3LgXrQj2cB.png" alt="" width="461" height="425" />
The "additional 400 feet" rule is a privilege, not a default. It must only be invoked when there is a clear, justifiable operational need.
<ul>
<li>Airspace Safety is Paramount: The core reason for altitude limits is minimizing collision risk with manned aircraft. While drones typically operate in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace below 400 feet, flying higher brings you into the typical operational altitudes of helicopters and general aviation, even in uncontrolled areas. By limiting high flights to necessity, you significantly reduce exposure to greater airspace risks.</li>
<li>Increased Complexity and Risk: Flying higher introduces stronger winds, colder temperatures, and VLOS challenges, all contributing to a more complex flight. Sound judgment dictates only accepting these added complexities when essential to the mission.</li>
<li>Maintaining Public Trust: Unnecessary high-altitude flights, especially over urban areas, can generate unwanted attention and complaints. Responsible, judicious use of this rule helps maintain the public's acceptance of the drone industry.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Best Practices for High-Altitude Operations</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/LsoqW5lE4UwTWtUfTqul7fmVcqqniMVlavgY9IGt.png" alt="" width="463" height="413" />
If your mission requires utilizing the 400-foot allowance, follow these best practices for a safe operation:
<ol>
<li>Thorough Pre-Flight Planning: Accurately determine the structure's height and map out your 400-foot horizontal radius. Check LAANC tools like Air Control for TFRs and airspace activity.</li>
<li>Weather Check: Pay close attention to wind forecasts at various altitudes for wind shear and turbulence.</li>
<li>Vigilance for Manned Aircraft: Designate a Visual Observer (VO) whose sole job is to scan the sky. Communicate clearly and frequently.</li>
<li>Emergency Plan: Have a clear, practiced plan for loss of GPS, flyaways, or battery critical warnings at high altitudes.</li>
<li>Maintain VLOS: Ensure you can always see your drone with unaided vision. A VO is highly recommended.</li>
<li>Practice: Prior to a mission, practice maintaining your position precisely within the 400-foot radius in a safe area.</li>
</ol>
<h5>Wrapping-Up</h5>
The "additional 400 feet above a structure" rule is a powerful provision under Part 107 that expands the operational envelope for commercial drone pilots. It enables safe, efficient inspections, and cinematic captures that would otherwise be impossible.
Remember, the right to fly higher comes with a greater responsibility. By demonstrating a full understanding of the rule, prioritizing safety through rigorous pre-flight planning, and using this capability only when genuinely needed, Part 107 pilots can successfully leverage this exception while upholding the highest standards of aviation safety. Just because you can fly higher doesn't always mean you should. Prioritize safety, always.

Flying Above 400 Feet

25 November 2025
<a href="https://www.parrot.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parrot</a>, a European leader for professional micro-UAVs, announces that its latest generation of professional micro-UAV systems, ANAFI UKR, has been selected by a major European Defence Force, with one of its leading distribution partners acting as prime contractor, in a competitive 3-year procurement program aimed at modernizing tactical reconnaissance and situational-awareness capabilities across frontline units.
Under this program, Parrot and its distribution partner aim to deliver a large-scale fleet of next-generation tactical reconnaissance UAVs, accompanied by program management, engineering support, maintenance frameworks, documentation, spare-parts packages, and comprehensive training. First orders and deliveries are expected to start before the end of the year.
The agreement also includes multi-year options for significant additional system orders, enabling scalable deployment across the customer&rsquo;s operational forces as mission needs evolve.
This award is one of the most significant defence contracts won to date by ANAFI UKR and marks a major step forward in Parrot&rsquo;s expansion across European defence and public safety markets.
The contract award follows a rigorous multi-phase evaluation process under a structured European defence procurement framework. Short-listed bidders were assessed against stringent criteria involving system performance, cost, lifecycle sustainability, technical compliance, and supplier reliability.&nbsp;
Parrot&rsquo;s solution successfully passed: &nbsp;&nbsp;
&bull; Formal qualification and compliance reviews&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; A comprehensive evaluation of cost, capability, and program structure&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; A demanding flight demonstration phase, validating system performance in realistic operational conditions.
"This award demonstrates the growing trust European defence organizations place in Parrot&rsquo;s ISR micro-UAVs," said Chris Roberts, Senior Vice President of Parrot. "Across Europe, we are seeing sustained demand for secure, European-designed systems as nations accelerate their defence modernization plans. The selection of ANAFI UKR confirms our ability to deliver sovereign, cyber-secure and highly reliable tactical UAS &mdash; and to compete successfully in the most demanding procurement environments."
<h5>Enhancing Tactical Decision Making&nbsp;</h5>
<a href="https://www.parrot.com/en/anafi-ukr-technical-specifications" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ANAFI UKR</a>, the selected Parrot unmanned aerial system, is designed to give ground forces rapid, access to advanced aerial intelligence in complex and dynamic operational environments, with standard features including embedded AI, advanced optical navigation, anti-spoofing frequency hopping military radio and hardened cybersecurity architecture, enabling key capabilities such as: &nbsp;&nbsp;
&bull; Ability to fly and navigate autonomously in contested electromagnetic environments&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Real time classification &amp; tracking&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Extended flight endurance for persistent observation&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; High wind-resilience and environmental reliability&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Compact, soldier-portable design optimized for rapid deployment&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Advanced secure communications and mission-software features enabling safe, efficient, and data-rich operations&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Automated mission workflows, reducing operator burden and improving tempo in high-pressure situations&nbsp;&nbsp;
"ANAFI UKR gives tactical teams a decisive information advantage at the edge," said Roberts. "We designed the platform for harsh contested operational conditions where reliability, simplicity, and speed of deployment directly impact mission success. Whether deployed to defend national sovereignty or in the context of civil protection ANAFI UKR provides real-time visual intelligence, tactical flexibility and sovereign data control at the speed of field operations."
<h5>Comprehensive Support and Sustainment Partnership</h5>
Beyond system delivery, Parrot&rsquo;s distribution partner will support the European Defence Force Customer through a full lifecycle-services package, including: &nbsp;&nbsp;
&bull; Engineering and integration support&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Fleet maintenance and sustainment services&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Operator and maintainer training programs&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Spares pipelines and logistical support&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Continuous software, firmware, and cybersecurity enhancements&nbsp;&nbsp;

Parrot awarded contract from European Defence Force

25 November 2025
<blockquote>
<a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/melvin-mccleave" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Melvin McCleave</a>
For as long as I can remember, flight has been a part of who I am. Not the kind you board at an airport, but the kind you build with your own hands. More than a decade ago, long before drones were stable or mainstream, I was in HobbyTown buying quadcopter frames, ESCs, motors, propellers, flight controllers, and radio receivers so I could assemble my own aircraft from the ground up. Back then, nothing came ready-made. If you wanted a drone, you had to understand it. You had to tune it. You had to wire it. You had to make it fly.
But my passion for flight started even earlier with RC helicopters. I bought every one I could afford, amazed at how they hovered and responded so precisely. After helicopters came fixed-wing planes also built and flown with the same excitement and then toy-grade quadcopter&rsquo;s . Every time a new model came out, I had to have it. Flying became my daily escape. It wasn&rsquo;t about photography or business back then&mdash;it was about control, elevation, distance, and the thrill of pushing something I built to its limits.
Then the industry evolved. DJI and Parrot brought real stabilization and GPS features to the consumer market. The Phantom 3 changed everything. Flight became smoother, safer, and more predictable&mdash;and once again, I had to try every model I could get my hands on. But over time, something inside me shifted. Through my work in public safety, I saw drones in a new light not as toys, but as tools. Tools that could provide critical visibility. Tools that could support search efforts. Tools that could keep people safe.
More than 12 years ago, when drones were still misunderstood, I mentioned the idea of using them in high-risk situations. People agreed the potential was there, but society wasn&rsquo;t ready for it yet. Still, the idea never left me. Years later, as public safety started recognizing UAV capabilities, I became part of early drone operations and learned the difference between recreational flying and true mission flying. I learned what worked, what failed, what needed adjustments, and how drones could provide real aid in real situations.
But another realization grew in me the commercial world was exploding. Construction, real estate, insurance, agriculture everywhere I looked, I saw drones becoming essential. I wanted to be part of that future. So I invested in higher-end equipment: the Phantom 4 Pro, Inspire models, the Mavic 2 Zoom, and other commercial-grade UAVs. I assumed having great equipment meant opportunities would follow. I was wrong...
No calls&nbsp;
No clients.
No direction.
Eventually, I stepped back from trying to turn drones into a business. I kept flying in public safety when needed, but the dream of a commercial drone business faded&mdash;until one day, a pilot with less than a year of experience showed me that he was doing paid work with just one drone. It crushed me!
Jealousy, frustration, disappointment they all hit at once. I questioned everything? my skills, my purpose, even whether the drone industry was meant for me. For almost a year, I stayed stuck. Flying when others asked, but never building anything of my own.
Then in 2023&ndash;2024, something changed. I decided I wasn&rsquo;t giving up. I believed I had something to offer. So I took a leap built a website, ordered business cards, and started promoting myself. I felt ready yet still, no results.
So I doubled down. I trained through Drone Launch Academy, Pilot Institute, and Drone U to sharpen my skills beyond flying. I studied mapping, thermal operations, photogrammetry, and professional workflows. And soon, subcontracting work arrived with Bees360 and Eberl360, which became a turning point. Those platforms taught me the real standards of insurance inspections precision, consistency, structure, and proper documentation. They strengthened my discipline and gave me confidence.
But during the same period, I experienced some of the hardest moments of my journey. On roofing-related jobs, I had contractors talk down to me, because I was using a UAV.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/1yzCAD87mqBbUaURkDZxo8j5Hvor3s0fLYsGLZzL.png" alt="" width="677" height="470" />
But then something powerful happened.
One afternoon, I watched a YouTube video by Timothy Brazzel, and it spoke directly into my situation. His message was strong, honest, and timely. He talked about the challenges pilots face, the criticism, the doubt, the disrespect, and the need to stay focused. It felt like he was speaking to me personally. His video lifted me up and reminded me why I started this journey. It was the push I needed to keep going.
And in the middle of all this, I had a mentor who kept me grounded and encouraged: Sinuhe Montoya, Founder of DroneQuote. Sinuhe always told me: &ldquo;The No&rsquo;s are the Yes&rsquo;s. He would tell me. We don&rsquo;t like hearing No, but sometimes God uses those to guide you or protect you.&rdquo; His words stayed with me. They helped me stand back up every time I felt defeated. They reminded me that setbacks aren&rsquo;t the end&mdash;they&rsquo;re preparation.
With renewed determination, I finally built the courage to visit a local contractor in person. I was nervous, but my wife encouraged me: (&ldquo;You got this she said )Just be yourself.&rdquo; Instead of simply talking, I built a portfolio to earn the opportunity.
And then&mdash;it happened.
Legacy Homes extended their hand and gave me a chance. That opportunity didn&rsquo;t just open a door. It changed my entire path. I have now worked with Legacy Homes for over a year, documenting their beautiful properties across North Carolina, South Carolina. Their trust, professionalism, and support helped shape what DronesAboveLLC is today. I am deeply grateful to Vitaliy, the owner, and the entire Legacy Homes team. Working with them is an honor I will always value.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/aW2Fg0DKW2WDp46s22fPaf1i4q9yPHgtHFPFdwCf.jpg" alt="" width="676" height="406" />
Today, my company&mdash;<a href="https://dronesabovellc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DronesAboveLLC</a>&mdash;is built on passion, resilience, technical skill, and the belief that &ldquo;no&rdquo; is not rejection, but redirection. I hold an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Gaston College, along with my FAA Part 107 certification, and advanced training through multiple academies. My journey includes years of public safety experience, hands-on building, high-skill technical training, real-world inspections, and a lifetime of passion.
<h5 class="x_elementtoproof">Special Thanks &amp; Acknowledgments</h5>
I would like to give special recognition to several incredible individuals who have played meaningful roles throughout my drone journey. Their support, mentorship, and opportunities helped shape who I am as a pilot and who I am becoming in this industry.
&bull; Dallin Hales &ndash; Liles Construction
Thank you for the opportunity to document the Maiden FS-10 Fire Station project. This was one of the early sparks that helped me grow and gain confidence in the field. That project will always hold a special place in my journey.
&bull; Rich &ndash; AZ Drones
A major mentor whose guidance, advice, and encouragement helped me understand the true potential of professional drone work. Rich&rsquo;s experience and leadership made an impact on me when I needed it.
&bull; Alex Jackson &ndash; Interstate Roofing
Thank you for your support, insight, and belief in the capabilities of drone technology. Your respect for the work I do has meant a great deal.
&bull; Ruth Patel &amp; David Young &ndash; Drone Launch Academy
Your training, resources, and leadership helped develop my foundation as a professional pilot. Drone Launch Academy has played a major role in sharpening my technical skills and deepening my knowledge in this field.
&bull; Sinuhe Montoya &amp; Michael&ndash; DroneQuote
I want to give a very special shoutout to both Michael and Sinuhe for helping develop my website and giving me the guidance I needed to present my brand the right way. Your encouragement, honesty, and willingness to help me grow have been invaluable.
&bull; Jerimiah Contreras &ndash; FlyGuys Nationwide
Thank you for your professional support, leadership, and guidance. Your communication and willingness to help has truly meant a lot.
&bull; Stuart Smith &mdash; Owner of The Droning Company&nbsp;
A heartfelt thanks for reaching out personally with advice, support, and encouragement. Your perspective and guidance pushed me to elevate DronesAboveLLC and keep building my brand with confidence.
Legacy Homes
My experience with Legacy Homes has become far more than a business relationship &mdash; it has grown into something personal, meaningful, and truly special. After a full year of working with Legacy, I can say with complete honesty that what stands out the most is not just the opportunity, but the relationship. The craftsmanship and art behind every home they build is remarkable, and documenting these projects from the foundation stage to the final finish has been exciting, rewarding, and inspiring. I love seeing the transformation week by week and month by month watching each home come to life through the lens of my drone. I am especially grateful to Vitaliy, who has shown nothing but humility, professionalism, and genuine care. No matter how busy he is, he has always made time for me and answers the phone or makes it a point to return my call without delay. That level of respect is rare, and it means more to me than I can put into words. The entire Legacy Homes team has been outstanding to work with, and I deeply value the relationship we&rsquo;ve built. It is truly an honor to support them and be even a small part of the beautiful homes they create for families.
Above all, I thank God for guiding my steps, and I thank my wife for her unwavering love and encouragement. Without her, I wouldn&rsquo;t be where I am today.
My journey is far from over, It&rsquo;s only just beginning.
I am Melvin McCleave, Founder of DronesAboveLLC&mdash;and I&rsquo;m ready for whatever comes next.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/4M8jhN6lqJgAFbJar7NOUsBnxXNG6iMrjsbuv7aU.jpg" alt="" width="317" height="423" />
<h5 class="x_elementtoproof">DronesAboveLL in Action</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sV2f4Ipg_dY?si=-FBEHgsBrnj0zmn1" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 665px; height: 374px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9NjPiGxkrBs?si=3VLW7T-jvEJYKHsA" width="665" height="374" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&nbsp;
</blockquote>

Pilot Story: Melvin McCleave

24 November 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/our-team/chris-fravel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Chris "The Drone Geek" Fravel</a>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://orqafpv.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ORQA FPV</a> is more than just a tech company; it's a story of passionate enthusiasts in a small Croatian city, whose obsession with a flawless flight experience propelled them onto the global stage. From hobbyist gear to high-stakes defense technology, the ORQA journey is a fascinating profile in rapid, community-driven innovation.
The ORQA story doesn't begin in Silicon Valley, but in Osijek, Croatia, where it was co-founded in late 2018 by Srdjan Kovačević (CEO), Ivan Jelu&scaron;ić, and Vlatko Matijević. Their mission was audacious: to become the world's number one technology provider for FPV and advanced Remote Reality (RR) applications. What set them apart from the start was their deep, personal commitment to the FPV community. They weren't just executives; they were pilots themselves, intimately familiar with the frustrations of existing gear.
The company&rsquo;s breakthrough moment arrived with the prototype of their flagship product, the <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://orqafpv.com/products/fpvonepilot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FPV.One video goggles</a>, unveiled at CES in Las Vegas in January 2019. The real measure of community excitement, however, came with their Kickstarter campaign in June 2019. This wasn't a slow build; it was a detonation of support. They hit their funding goal in an unbelievable two minutes and were 200% over the goal within five minutes of launch.
This explosive success wasn't just about money; it was a mandate from the heart of the FPV world, proving that pilots were hungry for a new player committed to quality. Kovačević and his team understood this loyalty, a human connection that would define the company&rsquo;s early reputation. They promised to deliver a product built from the ground up, with everything engineered in-house in Osijek&mdash;from mechanical and electronics design to optics and firmware&mdash;a rarity in a market often dominated by component assembly. This "Made in Europe" label became a point of pride, distinguishing them from the Asian manufacturers who often cornered the consumer drone market.
<h5>The ORQA Ecosystem</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Aw0hIgDjoSHdnIKrzQ339h8h1g2NHdChDqpvYUu7.png" alt="" width="466" height="358" />
While the FPV.One goggles launched ORQA, the company quickly demonstrated that their vision extended far beyond a single piece of hardware. They aimed to develop the entire FPV technology stack, encompassing a full ecosystem of products designed for low-latency, immersive remote control.
<h5>FPV.One Goggles: The Flagship</h5>
The FPV.One series of goggles remains their most recognized product. Designed for FPV racing and freestyle, the initial models were praised for their premium build quality, excellent optics, and intuitive menus. They offered features like a large field-of-view (FOV) and a high-definition DVR recording feature, addressing key pain points for serious pilots. Later iterations, like the <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://shop.orqafpv.com/collections/goggles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FPV.One Race and FPV.One Pilot</a>, fine-tuned the optics and features for specific pilot needs, showing a consistent effort to respond to community feedback&mdash;a true human touch.
<h5>Expanding the Horizon</h5>
ORQA&rsquo;s product line grew to encompass the full range of FPV necessities:
<ul>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://orqafpv.com/products/fpvctrl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orqa FPV.Ctrl Radio Controller</a>: A dedicated radio controller, often bundled with their proprietary ImmersionRC Ghost RF system, aiming for a complete, integrated flight experience. </li>
<li>Flight Electronics: This includes Flight Controller (FC) and Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) stacks, like the <a href="https://shop.orqafpv.com/collections/20x20">FC2020-F722 HD</a>, proving their vertical integration and ability to make all the "building blocks" of a drone. </li>
<li>ImmersionRC Acquisition: In a significant move in 2022, ORQA acquired ImmersionRC, a pioneering name in FPV electronics. This acquisition immediately integrated cutting-edge RF systems, such as the renowned RapidFIRE receiver module and the Ghost RF system, into the ORQA portfolio. This was not just a business deal; it was a merger of two communities, bringing decades of FPV experience under the European banner.</li>
</ul>
<h5>The Dual-Use Evolution</h5>
Perhaps the most compelling recent shift in the ORQA story is their evolution from a consumer hobbyist brand to a major player in the defense and enterprise sectors. The technology developed for immersive drone racing&mdash;ultra-low latency video, reliable long-range control&mdash;turned out to be exactly what was needed for modern unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in high-stakes environments.
As geopolitical demands for secure, Western-made drone technology increased, ORQA&rsquo;s "Made in Europe" status and full in-house engineering became invaluable. They began adapting their FPV technology to support defense missions, moving from selling goggles to hobbyists to securing major partnerships, such as one with Turkey&rsquo;s Baykar Technologies to potentially integrate ORQA technology into their renowned Bayraktar TB2 UAVs. This pivot was less of a strategic U-turn and more of a realization that their core technology was one of the most consequential defense technologies of the 2020s.
<h5>ORQA&rsquo;s Reputation Precedes Itself</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/6s0O00yoD3ufeDKmHLLMRUGB4YuM7Ec2iazpa7nJ.png" alt="" width="679" height="479" />
ORQA's reputation is as dynamic as the FPV industry itself, a blend of passionate support, high expectations, and the inevitable challenges of being a pioneer.
<h5>The Highs: Quality and Innovation</h5>
From the beginning, the consensus on ORQA's hardware has been overwhelmingly positive regarding build quality and optics. They delivered on their promise of a premium analog goggle experience that could stand toe-to-toe with established rivals like FatShark. Their commitment to in-house engineering is respected, allowing for faster iteration and a deeper understanding of the technology stack&mdash;something their team of over 30 engineers, physicists, and specialists work on every day. They are seen as the much-needed "Western alternative" to Chinese drone manufacturing, adhering to standards like NDAA compliance, which is crucial for their growing defense clientele.
<h5>The Challenges: The "Vaporware" Shadow</h5>
However, the path of an innovator is rarely smooth. Early on, the company faced criticism for being slow to deliver on promised digital HD video technology, a major shift in the FPV world. This led to a period where some in the consumer community felt ORQA was producing "solid but pricey analog goggles" without the promised upgrades, leading to the dreaded term "vaporware" appearing in online forums. There were also notable, albeit isolated, technical issues, including a public announcement regarding a "bricking incident" that required a swift firmware fix.
The perception shifted significantly, though, as ORQA clearly focused its resources on the more lucrative and mission-critical defense/enterprise market. While this may have meant a slowdown in consumer-facing digital development, it cemented their reputation as a company whose technology is serious enough for the battlefield.
<h5>Community-Driven DNA</h5>
Despite the pivot, the heart of ORQA remains community-driven. They cultivate an innovation-oriented mindset, valuing feedback to refine and enhance their products. Their CEO, Srdjan Kovačević, often speaks with a level of personal engagement that resonates: the company wasn't built to be a defense giant, but grew into one because the world needed their tech. This organic, passionate origin story is what keeps the human element alive in a company now dealing with multi-million dollar funding rounds and global defense contracts.
<h5>The Horizon: The Robotics Revolution</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/UEWVEjC3mAM5bp46nruIEN7zE8wtWwGYVhPmCNHt.png" alt="" width="681" height="275" />
ORQA is no longer just an FPV goggle company. With significant seed funding led by major investors, they are now positioned as an EU-based drone powerhouse, fully vertically integrated and ready to lead what they call the "Robotic Revolution." Their focus is on enabling FPV for every autonomous and remotely operated vehicle in the world.
From a Kickstarter miracle in a small European city to a strategic partner in the future of unmanned systems, ORQA FPV has proven that passion, combined with rigorous in-house engineering, can disrupt a global industry. They are a profile in ambition, having mastered the intimate, exhilarating connection of the FPV flight experience and now scaling that expertise to some of the world&rsquo;s most demanding applications. The view from their cockpit just got a whole lot wider, and it is a fascinating flight path to watch.

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