Pioneering Enterprise Drone Solutions from France

Founded in 2011 in Toulouse, France, Delair has established itself as a global leader in professional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions. Specializing in fixed-wing and multirotor drones, Delair offers comprehensive hardware and software systems tailored for industries such as agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure, and defense. The company’s emphasis on long-range flight capabilities, high-precision data acquisition, and advanced analytics has positioned it at the forefront of enterprise drone technology.

Company Overview

Delair was established by Michaël de Lagarde, Benjamin Benharrosh, Benjamin Michel, and Bastien Mancini. The company gained early recognition when its DT18 drone became the first UAV certified for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in France in 2012. Over the years, Delair has expanded its global footprint, with offices in Singapore, Beijing, Los Angeles, Paris, and Ghent, and has deployed over 3,000 operational drones worldwide.

Product Portfolio

UX11: Advanced Mapping Drone

The UX11 is a fixed-wing professional mapping drone designed for high-precision surveying and mapping applications. Key features include:

• 80-minute flight endurance, covering up to 120 hectares at 120 meters altitude.
• Integrated global shutter camera and centimeter-level precision GNSS sensor.
• Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) capabilities for survey-grade results.
• Dual communication systems: 2.4 GHz radio link and 3G/4G cellular connectivity.

The UX11’s design facilitates operations in remote areas and is BVLOS-ready, enhancing its suitability for large-scale mapping projects.

DT26 and DT46: Long-Range Surveillance Drones

The DT26 and DT46 are fixed-wing UAVs optimized for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence missions. These drones offer:

• Extended flight ranges and endurance for long-duration missions.
• Payload flexibility, including electro-optical and infrared sensors.
• Robust design for operations in diverse environmental conditions.

These platforms are widely used in defense and security sectors for border surveillance and infrastructure monitoring.

Multirotor Systems: Colibri and Larinae

Expanding beyond fixed-wing designs, Delair has developed multirotor UAVs like the Colibri and Larinae. These systems are tailored for applications requiring vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, offering enhanced maneuverability and suitability for operations in confined spaces.

Software Solutions

delair.ai: Aerial Intelligence Platform

Delair’s delair.ai is a cloud-based platform that transforms aerial data into actionable insights. Features include:

• Industry-specific analytics for sectors like mining, agriculture, construction, and utilities.
• Integration with various data sources for comprehensive asset management.
• Tools for generating 2D and 3D models, measurements, and annotations.

This platform enables enterprises to streamline workflows and make informed decisions based on accurate geospatial data.

DRAKO: Universal Ground Control Station

DRAKO is Delair’s universal ground control station designed to operate a range of UAVs. It supports:

• Mavlink protocol for control and command.
• STANAG 4609 for video streaming.
• Compatibility with tactical information systems like Delta Suite, ATAK, SICS, and Atlas.

DRAKO’s open standards ensure interoperability across various platforms and mission requirements.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Intel Corporation

In 2018, Intel Capital invested in Delair to support the development of data-driven drone software solutions. This collaboration led to the integration of Delair’s UAV technology with Intel’s cloud computing strategy, resulting in the Intel Insight Platform. The platform enables enterprises to store, organize, and analyze drone data for enhanced business intelligence.

BASF

Delair partnered with BASF to accelerate research in agricultural solutions. Utilizing the delair.ai platform, the collaboration focuses on turning visual drone data into actionable insights, aiming to develop sustainable agricultural practices.

Industry Applications

Agriculture

Delair’s UAVs and analytics platforms assist in precision agriculture by:

• Monitoring crop health and growth patterns.
• Assessing irrigation and fertilization needs.
• Optimizing yield predictions and resource allocation.

These capabilities enable farmers to make data-driven decisions, improving efficiency and sustainability.

Mining and Construction

In mining and construction, Delair’s solutions provide:

• High-resolution mapping for site planning and monitoring.
• Volume calculations for stockpile management.
• Safety assessments and compliance documentation.

The integration of UAV data into project workflows enhances operational efficiency and reduces risks.

Energy and Utilities

For the energy sector, Delair’s drones are employed in:

• Inspecting power lines and infrastructure.
• Monitoring pipeline integrity.
• Assessing renewable energy installations like wind turbines and solar panels.

These applications facilitate preventive maintenance and minimize downtime.

Defense and Security

Delair’s UAVs support defense and security operations through:

• Border surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
• Intelligence gathering in conflict zones.
• Delivery of critical supplies in remote areas.

The company’s drones have been deployed by various defense agencies, including recent contracts with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces.

Financial Growth and Investments

Delair has secured significant funding to support its growth and innovation:

• In 2016, the company raised $14.5 million in a funding round led by Andromède, a holding of the Heriard Dubreuil family, known for their investment in Rémy Cointreau.
• In 2018, Intel Capital invested in Delair to enhance its software platform and expand its global presence.

These investments have enabled Delair to broaden its product offerings and enter new markets.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Delair signed a contract with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces to supply UX11 and DT26 surveillance drones to Ukraine, funded by France.
• In 2024, Delair, in partnership with KNDS, won the COLIBRI program contract to develop the MX-10, a short-range loitering munition drone for the French military.
• Later in 2024, Delair acquired Squadrone System, a Grenoble-based company specializing in multirotor and drone swarm technologies, expanding Delair’s capabilities in these areas.

Conclusion

Delair’s commitment to innovation in UAV technology and data analytics has solidified its position as a leader in enterprise drone solutions. Through strategic partnerships, diversified applications, and continuous product development, Delair continues to address the evolving needs of industries worldwide. As the demand for aerial intelligence grows, Delair’s integrated approach positions it to remain at the forefront of the UAV industry.