Vantage Robotics has announced the release of Trace, a new nano unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built in the United States and aimed at defense, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure operators. According to the company, the system combines extremely small size with advanced sensing and communication features, making it suitable for missions that require both stealth and high performance.

The drone weighs only 153 grams, a detail the company emphasized as being within safety thresholds for minimizing risk during operations. Despite its small frame, Trace is equipped with a gimbal-stabilized thermal imager and a 48-megapixel optical camera capable of 24x zoom, enabling operators to capture detailed imagery in diverse conditions.

Vantage Robotics mentioned that Trace can fly in confined areas thanks to its compact 12-inch frame. It uses seven laser rangefinders and downward-facing visual sensors, allowing it to operate without GPS and in dark environments. Flight time extends beyond 30 minutes with the standard battery, and up to 45 minutes with an endurance pack. The airframe, built with carbon fiber and titanium, also carries an IP-53 durability rating.

The company also pointed out that Trace uses a secure radio system designed to maintain a two-kilometer connection while supporting encrypted, frequency-hopping communication. Both the drone and its handheld controller contain onboard computing for AI-assisted object recognition and tracking.

Vantage Robotics described Trace as the outcome of four years of development in collaboration with military and law enforcement partners. The company stated that the drone is now available to qualified customers and encouraged interested organizations to make contact for further details.