New system targets public safety needs as demand grows for American-made drone alternatives
Flock Safety has announced Alpha, its first American-made, NDAA-compliant drone designed specifically for emergency response. The system is positioned to set new standards for speed, flight endurance, and imaging capability within the Drone as First Responder (DFR) market.
Alpha is now available through Flock’s Early Access program for law enforcement agencies across the United States. Its goal is to help departments reach incidents faster, identify suspects more efficiently, and resolve calls in seconds.
A Timely U.S.-Made Option
Alpha’s launch comes at a critical time. As the U.S. government continues its effort to reduce reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers, demand for domestically produced, secure alternatives is rising. Agencies across the country are looking for drones that comply with federal security requirements while still offering top-tier performance.
Flock’s move into drone manufacturing follows its acquisition of the Aerodome DFR system in 2023. Aerodome’s platform is drone-agnostic but was originally designed around DJI drones. The combination of Flock’s established market presence in public safety, its software integration expertise, and the upcoming FAA rulemaking on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations makes the Alpha release particularly timely.
Alpha’s Capabilities and Design
Alpha was built from the ground up for public safety use. The drone features speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, the longest flight time of any DFR quadcopter, and cameras capable of reading a vehicle license plate from 2,000 feet away. Its dual battery-swapping and contact-charging dock allows it to be ready for flight again in less than 90 seconds.
The system includes four cellular modems for extended range and reliability across large jurisdictions. It integrates fully with Flock’s existing DFR ecosystem, which connects to the company’s license plate readers, gunshot and crash audio detection sensors, and the FlockOS real-time policing platform.
Customer-Driven Innovation
“Alpha has been designed from the ground up based on direct feedback from our public safety customers,” said Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety. “This is a revolutionary product built by a team who considers each feature in the context of emergency response, crime-solving, and saving lives. We’re confident that Alpha will quickly emerge as the leader in the pack of DFR offerings on the market.”
Lt. Timothy Fecht of the Dunwoody Police Department described how Flock’s integration enables rapid response and situational awareness.
“This is the only DFR platform available that lets an analyst sitting safely in our Real-Time Crime Center see an LPR alert come in, dispatch a drone within a few seconds from the same software, and follow the suspect vehicle in real-time while directing patrol officers on the scene — all within one integrated system,” said Fecht. “We’re regularly using Flock DFR in addressing a wide variety of situations, from locating violent offenders to getting a closer look at vehicle accidents.”
Building on the DFR Evolution
The DFR landscape is evolving quickly. Earlier systems required human operators on rooftops to launch drones and manage airspace. Modern systems such as Flock’s are moving toward full automation, using secure docks that allow drones to launch, recover, and recharge autonomously.
By combining Aerodome’s proven automation technology with its new U.S.-built aircraft, Flock now offers an end-to-end DFR solution entirely within its own ecosystem. As FAA BVLOS rulemaking progresses, systems like Alpha could enable true autonomous first response across multiple jurisdictions.
Availability and Outlook
Flock Alpha will first be available through the company’s Early Access Program, with deliveries expected before the end of the year. Live demonstrations will take place at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Denver, Colorado, at Booth #1623.
Alpha’s release highlights a broader shift toward American-made solutions for public safety and government agencies. If the system performs as promised, it could help redefine operational speed, efficiency, and safety for Drone as First Responder programs nationwide.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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