Vantage Robotics Introduces its Trace Nano Drone Developed with Expertise from US Department of Defense.

On September 11, 2024, Vantage Robotics, a renowned player in the UAV industry, introduced its latest innovation: the Trace nano drone. Specifically designed to meet the increasing demands of national security, public safety, and critical infrastructure inspection, this pocket-sized drone skillfully combines performance and accessibility.

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Vantage Robotics Trace Nano Drone (Picture source: Vantage Robotics )

The Trace model, enhancing Vantage's esteemed range, inherits the trust established by its predecessor, the Vesper, already listed on the DIU's Blue sUAS "Cleared" list, thus ensuring compliance with the strict security standards required for use by U.S. government agencies.

Weighing just 153 grams, Trace remains below the FAA’s weight threshold, simplifying its deployment across various contexts without compromising operational safety. Equipped with gimbal-stabilized visible and thermal cameras featuring an impressive 24x zoom, the drone can deliver clear images in both indoor and outdoor environments, making it ideal for a wide range of surveillance applications.

One of Trace's main innovations lies in its design focused on discreet operations. Thanks to its low noise signature, it becomes difficult to detect, a valuable feature for tactical reconnaissance operations. Easily portable in a pocket, it is intended for law enforcement, defense personnel, and infrastructure inspectors who require a compact yet powerful tool.

The development of Trace benefited from the expertise of leading partners, including branches of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and various law enforcement agencies. This collaboration has precisely tailored the drone to the most rigorous operational conditions, after four years of intensive testing.

The drone incorporates innovations such as the proprietary Poplar radio, which allows an operational range of up to 2 km, and a foldable airframe made of titanium and carbon fiber, providing robustness suitable for field missions. With a flight time of over 30 minutes, Trace sets a benchmark in its category.

Security is paramount with the Trace Nano, which is entirely designed, sourced, and built in the USA. It features AES-256 encryption for all communications and data storage, adheres to DoD “Blue” (pending) and NDAA compliance, and ensures data privacy with no remote data transmission capabilities.

Communication is robust over a 2 km line-of-sight (LOS) range and 500 meters in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions with a 30dBi attenuation. It utilizes dual frequency bands—2.36 GHz military and 2.4 GHz ISM—with automatic channel hopping to maintain a stable connection. Compatible with multiple ground control systems (GCS), including QGC, ATAK, WMI, and RAC2, it integrates seamlessly into existing setups.

The drone's portability is enhanced with a quick 30-second deploy time and compact stowage via folding arms. The field case is IP67 waterproof, withstanding up to 90 kg of crush force and drops from one meter.

A 2-axis stabilized EO/IR gimbal enhances imaging capabilities, controlled from -90° to +70° in pitch. The high-resolution 48 MP EO camera features an f/1.8 autofocus lens, supported by a thermal imaging sensor for comprehensive situational awareness. It offers up to 25x digital zoom and can capture high-definition video in both 1080p and 4K resolutions, storing images as large as 8000 x 6000 pixels.

According to Tobin Fisher, CEO of Vantage Robotics, "After four years of continuous innovation and testing with our DoD and law enforcement partners, Trace stands out as the best ISR nano drone currently available on the market."

Vantage Robotics Trace Nano Drone (Picture source: Vantage Robotics )