Review Of The Anzu Raptor Series - A Drone Built For The U.S.

Government agencies and lawmakers have been going ham on foreign based drones, mainly due to security concerns. Market leaders like DJI have been hit, despite their popularity in other regions – and still on mainland US. So Texas-based Anzu Robotics went ahead and got one of the top enterprise series drones and tailored it for the US market, thanks to a particularly unique licensing agreement. And on April 17, 2024, the Raptor Series hit the market. Here’s a look at everything about it.

The Genesis of the Raptor Series

The licensing agreement between Anzu Robotics and DJI allows Anzu to use DJI’s drone technology to produce their own Raptor series drones. That way Anzu can work with already established tech while maintaining complete control over their products. The manufacturing is even done in Malaysia to (thus avoiding geopolitical concerns) while U.S based Aloft Technologies develops the flight software.

This results in drones that meet U.S. regulatory standards without the direct involvement of DJI in the operational or data security aspects of the products​. That way UAVs can be used by public safety agencies in the state of Florida, and similar areas where place of origin is a concern. This collaboration also means that the Raptor drones are compatible with DJI's hardware, including batteries, propellors and enterprise drone mount accessories.

The Raptor series has been modelled after the DJI Mavic 3 enterprise series drones – and we have included a side-by-side comparison below.

But first, what do the drone bring to the table?

Key Features of the Raptor Series

The series has two drones: the standard Raptor, and the Raptor T (Thermal)

Imaging and Cameras

The standard Raptor model features a dual-camera system including a 4/3-inch 20mp wide camera complemented by a 1/2-inch 12mp CMOS sensor, ensuring high-resolution visuals across a broad spectrum of lighting conditions.

The Raptor T, specifically designed for thermal imaging, is equipped with a 640 x 512 LWIR sensor, great for night operations and scenarios where heat signature detection is needed – like during search and rescue missions or law enforcement operations. In fact, the performance of the Raptor T landed it a spot on the 2024 rankings of the best police drones.

Both models include 56x hybrid zoom capabilities, enhancing the detail captured from significant distances and adding another layer of versatility to their operational use.

Flight Dynamics and Duration

With each UAV operating for up to 45 minutes on a single charge, this makes them a top pick for enterprise users on the market for long range drones. And with its charging hub (bought separately), you can charge multiple batteries at the same time, adding to your efficiency for survey tasks, long-duration monitoring, SAR missions and other operations requiring extensive aerial coverage.

Operational Range and Flexibility

The Raptor drones clock an operational range of up to 9 miles from the control point, and can withstand 26 mph wind speeds, ensuring stable flight in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

However, since they haven’t been IP-rated, be particularly careful when it’s raining. Each drone also comes with a gimbal system which supports a wide range of motion, allowing cameras to tilt from -90° to +35°.

User Experience

The Raptor series also integrates live streaming and advanced fleet management tools through the optional enterprise features of the Air Control app. This integration facilitates real-time data sharing and decision-making, crucial during time-sensitive or complex operations. The live streaming function is invaluable for immediate situational awareness and coordination during large-scale events or emergencies.

Data Security

Data security is a paramount feature of the Raptor series, with all collected data being securely stored on US-based servers that are ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certified. The use of AES-256 encryption for data transmission ensures that all information is securely protected against unauthorized accessories.

Compliance

The Raptor series drones are designed to support Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, including features instant Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) authorizations. This simplifies the process for obtaining the necessary clearances to operate in different airspaces, particularly around airports and in cityscapes. Pre-flight checklists are integrated into the Air Control app, guiding pilots through essential checks to ensure that all systems are operational before the drone takes to the skies.

And since there is no geofencing with the Raptor series, pilots have the flexibility to fly in more locations. However, it places the onus on them to stay informed about local flight regulations and to ensure that all flights are conducted within legal boundaries..

Raptor vs Mavic 3 Comparison

It's worth noting that the Raptor series comes at a higher price point compared to the Mavic drones, despite them being mostly identical. This due to factors like Anzu targeting a smaller market, having to license the tech from DJI, as well as designing their own pilot software.

Applications of the Raptor

The Raptor drones by Anzu Robotics bring high-resolution imaging and extended flight capabilities to agriculture, in tasks like crop and livestock monitoring. Real estate and construction sectors can also benefit from the detailed aerial imagery for property inspections and tracking construction projects.

The inclusion of a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) module (available as an accessory) enhances their positioning accuracy, or tasks that require precise detail, such as surveying and critical infrastructure inspections.

Applications of the Raptor T

The thermal imaging technology of the Raptor T make it an asset for search and rescue missions, especially for in low-visibility conditions or at night. The dual camera is still beneficial for those daytime searches, as well as assist police carrying out surveillance tasks. It supports the RTK module too.

Firefighters using the drone are able to identify the sources of heat through dense smoke and detect structural weaknesses, which helps in assessing the intensity and spread of the fire. The ability to detect heat signatures can help researchers track animal movements or monitor forest health, especially in detecting early signs of forest fires or illegal logging activities.

Have questions on the Raptor series or spare parts? Talk to us on 1(805) 480-4033 or email sales@dronefly.com