FLIR makes new unmanned training investment
By
Ross Wilkers
FLIR Systems invests in a global drone operator to help train pilots and add another component to its overall unmanned market strategy.
FLIR Systems has made an investment in global unmanned aerial system operator DroneBase for an undisclosed sum to train pilots on using thermal imagery products when flying drones.
Terms of the investment were undisclosed, but FLIR said Wednesday it will become the exclusive provider of thermal products and act as the small UAS thermal imagery training provider for DroneBase’s pilot network.
Now with a second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, FLIR has used acquisitions in the past three years to build an unmanned portfolio that also includes software and imagery tools in addition to the physical platforms themselves.
FLIR’s most recent acquisition of Endeavor Robotics in March added the ground robotic vehicle piece to complement a pair of deals for unmanned aerial drone makers in 2016.
FLIR's second corporate headquarters office in Arlington will act as the hub for its government and defense business. The company’s longtime home of Wilsonville, Oregon, will remain where it is incorporated and is getting a renovation.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, DroneBase provides aerial imagery to businesses in industries such as real estate, insurance, telecommunications, construction and media. DroneBase says it operates in more than 70 countries.
FLIR and DroneBase will collaborate to develop specialized training for the pilots and create an exclusive pilot network through a certification process.
All training will be based out of the FLIR Infrared Training Center.