New integration combines DroneSense software with three hour flight drones to support DFR, SAR, and tactical missions
Versaterm and SiFly Aviation have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding how public safety agencies use drones for emergency response. The collaboration brings together DroneSense by Versaterm, a drone operations platform, with SiFly’s Q12 long endurance drone.
The combined solution is designed to support Drone as First Responder programs, search and rescue, and tactical operations. Agencies can cover larger areas with fewer launch sites and less supporting infrastructure. According to the companies, the approach reduces costs while improving response speed and situational awareness.
The SiFly Q12 can fly for up to three hours and reach speeds above 60 miles per hour. When paired with the DroneSense platform, agencies can stream live video to command staff and field units during active incidents. The system also supports multi agency coordination through a shared interface.
Supporting Real Time Response Models
Public safety leaders see the technology as a way to move closer to real time response. Campbell Police Chief Gary Berg highlighted how long endurance changes daily operations.
“The SiFly Q12 is redefining what Drone as First Responder really means,” said Campbell Police Chief Gary Berg. “Two aircraft can continuously orbit our city, allowing us to respond in seconds and get immediate eyes on critical incidents. The Q12 can arrive on scene faster than traditional docked systems and pushes public safety into a true real-time model. Situational awareness and response can now occur without launch-time limitations, at the speed our community expects and deserves.”
Unlike dock based drone systems, the Q12 is designed to remain airborne for extended periods. This allows agencies to keep aircraft in position before an incident occurs. As a result, response teams can access live aerial views without waiting for a launch.
Capabilities for Multiple Mission Types
The partnership targets a wide range of use cases. These include search and rescue, wildfire monitoring, disaster response, and tactical overwatch. SiFly’s endurance reduces the need for battery swaps or frequent landings, which can interrupt coverage.
The companies say the integrated system provides several key capabilities:
The drone can conduct up to three hours of forward flight and cover more than 100 miles, while sending live video to commanders and responders.
It can hover for up to two hours, supporting steady overwatch with high resolution sensors.
The aircraft supports payloads up to ten pounds and can carry different sensors for varied missions.
The system uses NDAA compliant, American made hardware and supports secure multi agency collaboration.
Operational data and flight records are logged automatically within the DroneSense platform. This supports post mission review and reporting.
Reducing Complexity for Agencies
Versaterm says the goal is to deliver long endurance without adding burden to operators. The DroneSense platform is designed to manage flights, video, and coordination from a single interface.
“SiFly’s extended flight capability unlocks new deployment models for public safety agencies,” said Rohan Galloway-Dawkins, Chief Product Officer, Versaterm. “By integrating this endurance into our DroneSense platform, we ensure agencies gain the full benefit of longer flight times without adding complexity to their operations.”
SiFly positions the Q12 as a lower cost alternative to crewed aircraft for certain missions. The company emphasizes persistence and speed as key advantages.
“The Q12 was built to bring helicopter performance at drone economics,” said Brian Hinman, Founder and CEO, SiFly. “In critical incidents, every second matters. When drones can stay in the air for hours, agencies gain the ability to respond the moment something happens, gaining critical information and intelligence. Our integration with DroneSense by Versaterm means that endurance becomes intelligence, shared instantly with everyone managing the response.”
Building on DroneSense for Public Safety
Versaterm acquired DroneSense to expand its public safety technology portfolio. DroneSense focuses on helping agencies use drones for tactical operations, DFR programs, and situational awareness. The platform supports real time intelligence sharing, mission planning, and after action analysis.
With this partnership, Versaterm and SiFly are positioning long endurance drones as part of everyday public safety operations. The companies say the approach helps agencies respond faster, see more, and coordinate better during critical events.
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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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