DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer, currently faces significant import restrictions in the United States. Given DJI's substantial market share, these restrictions pose challenges for many users who have relied on their drones for various applications. As a platform agnostic company, Volatus Drones has always pursued industry-leading technologies to meet the needs of our clients, partnering with top-tier manufacturers around the globe. We have aimed to ensure our clients can access the best technologies that meet and exceed their operational needs.
For those who have been impacted by these restrictions, we’ve put together an overview of noteworthy NDAA compliant alternatives, highlighting their specifications, flight times, payload options, and unique features. We’ve put each one of these platforms to the test, through our Vetted by Volatus program. Check out our recommendations below:
1. ASCL SOTEN: Compare to DJI Mavic 3 and M30T 
The ASCL SOTEN is a compact drone emphasizing data security and versatility. Key features include:
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Data Security: Enhanced measures for communications, flight data, and media, ensuring NDAA compliance.
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Swappable Camera System: This system allows effortless sensor customization with one-touch swappable cameras, including options like thermal, mapping, multispectral, and inspection zoom payloads.
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Thermal Imaging: Optionally equipped with a FLIR EO/IR Hadron sensor with a resolution of 640×512, stabilizing by a 3-axis gimbal.
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Weather Resilience: IP43 rating allows operations in diverse weather conditions.
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Flight time: 30 Minutes.
2. WingtraOne Gen II: Compare to DJI Mavic 3 and M350 in Mapping 
Designed for comprehensive surveying and mapping, the WingtraOne Gen II offers:
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VTOL Capabilities: Vertical takeoff and landing, facilitating use in confined areas with a 59-minute flight time.
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Extended Coverage: Covers up to 766 acres in a single flight.
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Payload Versatility: Compatible with high-resolution cameras like the Sony RX1RII, LiDAR, and multispectral sensors.
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Seamless Workflow: From Base Station setup to data acquisition to post-processing in Wingtra Cloud, Wingtra has created an all-encompassing, easy-to-use surveying and mapping solution.
3. ideaForge SWITCH: Long-Duration Overwatch 
The ideaForge SWITCH UAV is a VTOL and fixed-wing drone tailored for extended missions:
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Impressive Endurance: Flight time of up to 120 minutes.
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Operational Range: Effective up to 9.3 miles (15 km).
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Payload Options: Swappable 25x HD optical and thermal cameras.
4. Inspired Flight IF800: Public Safety/Inspection-Focused Alternative to DJI M350
The Inspired Flight IF800 is engineered for industrial inspections:
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Payload Capacity: Supports various sensors, including the Sentera 65R for high-resolution imaging, small LiDAR sensors, and the Gremsy VIO EO/IR Camera system.
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Stability: Designed for precise data capture in challenging conditions.
5. Inspired Flight IF1200A: LiDAR-Capable Alternative to DJI M350 or M600 
For LiDAR applications, the Inspired Flight IF1200 offers:
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High Payload Capacity: Accommodates heavy payloads like high-end YellowScan LiDAR sensors.
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Swiss Army Knife: Due to its reliability and adaptability, the IF200A can carry and mount a variety of payloads and sensors, from magnetometers to corona cameras to gas sensors and more.
6. XER X8: Extended Flight Time Alternative to DJI M350 
The XER X8 stands out with its remarkable endurance:
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Flight Time: Up to 2.5 hours, ideal for extensive inspections and surveillance.
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Payload Flexibility: Supports a range of sensors and cameras.
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LiDAR Integration: Compatible with advanced LiDAR sensors like YellowScan, enhancing 3D imaging and mapping capabilities.
7. Ascent AeroSystems Spirit: Compact Alternative to DJI M30T and M350 
The Ascent AeroSystems Spirit is a rugged, all-weather UAV designed for versatility:
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Unique and Stable Design: The coaxial design allows for a compact and stable drone system.
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Payload Capacity: Up to 6.5 lbs. (3.0 kg), supporting dual payloads on top and bottom.
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Thermal Imaging: Compatible with advanced payloads like the Gremsy VIO F1, featuring a 4K zoom sensor, a 640x512 radiometric thermal camera, and an integrated 2400m laser rangefinder.
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Flight Endurance: With two batteries, it can fly for up to 53 minutes without payload and 32 minutes with maximum payload.
In summary, current restrictions don’t have to stop you; there are now several alternatives that provide comparable or even superior capabilities across a variety of applications. We can help you evaluate these options to align with your specific operational needs and budget, so that you can maintain both efficiency and compliance in your drone operations. Thanks to our strategic partnerships, we are proud to offer a wide range of high-quality drones designed to meet diverse requirements, ensuring that our customers can continue their work seamlessly despite ongoing import restrictions.