Sensor manufacturer and thermal imaging specialist Flir has made a strategic investment in DroneBase, a global drone operations company that provides one of the largest networks of unmanned aerial surveillance pilots to businesses. The investment establishes Flir as the exclusive provider of thermal product solutions and as the official training provider for small UAS thermal imaging for the DroneBase pilot network, through the Flir Infrared Training Center.
“Our investment in DroneBase helps expand the adoption of Flir thermal imaging technology by putting it in the hands of more pilots who fly drones every day,” said Jim Cannon, Flir president and chief executive. “DroneBase’s pilot network will receive training by professional thermographers, enabling it to offer specialised thermal inspection services on a wider scale, and creating an opportunity for Flir to incorporate additional service offerings through DroneBase in the future.”
DroneBase and its pilots have completed over 100,000 commercial missions in more than 70 countries, providing services for a range of industries including insurance, telecommunications, construction, and media. The two companies will collaborate to develop specialised training and a certification process for DroneBase pilots.
“Through Flir’s strategic investment, we are able to offer scalable thermal solutions to companies of any size,” said Dan Burton, chief executive and founder of DroneBase. “This will allow stakeholders to make better decisions about their most critical assets. Like myself, many DroneBase pilots relied on Flir products when they served in the military. This integration will offer military veterans a chance to work with FLIR again and use their training in their civilian lives.”