Features Emergency Services
Parrot unveils drone for first responders, enterprise

Parrot on June 30 introduced the ANAFI USA, which the company describes as a unique drone combining enterprise-class data security with the easy-to-use features. ANAFI USA is built to meet the demands of first responders, firefighters, search-and-rescue teams, security agencies, surveying and inspection professionals. It will be available in August with a retail price of approximately US$7,000.

The drone features what Parrot describes as an industry-first 32x zoom, 4K HDR video and thermal imaging capabilities. ANAFI USA provides the same levels of security, durability and imaging capabilities as Parrot’s Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) drone designed for the U.S. Army. ANAFI USA’s data encryption and privacy features are compliant with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Parrot explains the ANAFI USA’s gimbal and advanced optics were designed for wildfire missions for viewing hot spots while also accessing the entire visual scene. The 32x zoom is designed around two 21-megapixel cameras, which according to the company, allows operators to see details clearly from up to f5 km (3.1 mi) away.

The zoom image is coupled (blended) with images from ANAFI USA’s FLIR Boson camera. This enables operators to detect hot spots with the thermal camera, while the visual camera allows them to view people and other details from up to 2 km (1.2 mi) away.

Parrot also notes, that for first responders, ANAFI USA is operational in less than 55 seconds, meaning it takes less than 55 seconds to unfold the drone, turn it on, establish the secure radio link and take off. ANAFI USA also works indoors without GPS, allowing operators to take off inside a house, pilot the drone through a window to fly outside, and then come back.

ANAFI USA has a sound level of 79 dB when it is at 50cm off the ground. It uses a standard USB-C type charger. Weighing in at 500 g (1.1 lbs), the ANAFI USA is rated for a 32-minute flight time.