Elevating Public Safety with U.S.-Made Tactical Drones
Uniform Sierra Aerospace, established in 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana, has rapidly emerged as a significant player in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector. Founded by Purdue University alumni Duncan Mulgrew, Jeremy Frederick, and Trevor Redpath, the company focuses on developing American-made drones tailored for public safety applications, including law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency response.
Origins and Mission
The inception of Uniform Sierra Aerospace is deeply rooted in the founders’ academic and professional experiences at Purdue University. Their shared vision was to create reliable, domestically produced drones that address the specific needs of first responders and public safety agencies. By emphasizing U.S.-based manufacturing and compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the company ensures that its products meet stringent security and operational standards.
Product Portfolio
Uniform Sierra Aerospace offers two primary drone models, each designed for distinct operational environments:
1. Panther: Outdoor Tactical UAS
Launched in January 2024, the Panther drone is engineered for outdoor missions, particularly in search-and-rescue operations and first responder scenarios.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: Over 45 minutes
- Top Speed: 50 mph
- Camera System: 40x zoom RGB and 640p thermal gimbaled camera
- Payload Capacity: Up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
- Construction: Aircraft-grade carbon fiber
- Stealth: Low detectability in both visual and acoustic spectrums
- Weather Resistance: Operational in adverse weather conditions
The Panther’s design emphasizes rapid deployment, durability, and versatility, making it suitable for various public safety applications.
2. Arrowhead: Indoor Tactical UAS
The Arrowhead drone is tailored for indoor operations, such as building inspections, hostage situations, and GPS-denied environments.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Perch Time: Over 3 hours
- Navigation: Visual-based indoor positioning system
- Camera Options: Optional 320p/640p thermal imaging
- Construction: Aircraft-grade carbon fiber exoskeleton
- Modularity: Modular payload bay for various mission requirements
The Arrowhead’s compact design and advanced navigation systems allow it to operate effectively in confined and complex indoor spaces.
Technological Innovations
Uniform Sierra Aerospace integrates several cutting-edge technologies into its drones to enhance performance and adaptability:
- Mesh-Capable Digital Radio Link: Enables real-time HD video streaming and extended operational range through interconnected drone networks.
- Smart Battery Systems: Facilitate hot-swapping and ground power options to minimize downtime during missions.
- Modular Design: Allows for easy integration of additional sensors and payloads, catering to diverse operational needs.
Strategic Partnerships and Funding
In 2023, Uniform Sierra Aerospace received a $100,000 award from Purdue Innovates, supporting its research and development efforts.
In January 2025, the company was acquired by Flock Safety, a provider of public safety technology solutions. This acquisition aims to integrate Uniform Sierra’s drone technology into Flock Safety’s ecosystem, enhancing real-time crime center capabilities and expanding the reach of drone-as-first-responder programs.
Commitment to Public Safety
Uniform Sierra Aerospace’s drones are designed with the specific needs of public safety agencies in mind. By focusing on reliability, ease of use, and compliance with federal standards, the company ensures that its products serve as effective tools for first responders. The integration of advanced features, such as thermal imaging and GPS-denied navigation, further enhances the operational capabilities of public safety personnel.
Future Outlook
With the backing of Flock Safety, Uniform Sierra Aerospace is poised to expand its product offerings and technological innovations. The collaboration aims to develop a suite of American-made, NDAA-compliant drones that integrate seamlessly with existing public safety infrastructure, providing agencies with enhanced situational awareness and response capabilities.
