FLIR makes strategic investment in DroneBase UAS pilot network

FLIR Systems Inc. today announced a strategic investment in DroneBase Inc., a global drone operations company that provides businesses access to one of the world’s largest unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) pilot networks.

The investment establishes FLIR as the exclusive provider of thermal product solutions and as the official small UAS thermal imaging training provider for the DroneBase enterprise pilot network through the FLIR Infrared Training Center (ITC).

“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 CEO. “DroneBase’s enterprise pilot network will receive training by professional thermographers, enabling DroneBase to offer specialized thermal inspection services for customers on a wider scale, and creating an opportunity for FLIR to incorporate additional service offerings through DroneBase in the future.”

Based in Los Angeles, DroneBase and its pilots have completed more than 100,000 commercial missions in about 70 countries. The company provides services across multiple industries, including residential and commercial real estate, insurance, telecommunications, construction and media. FLIR and DroneBase will collaborate to develop specialized training for DroneBase pilots through the FLIR ITC, creating an exclusive certified pilot network.

“Through FLIR’s strategic investment in DroneBase, we are now able to offer scalable thermal solutions to enterprises of any size,” said Dan Burton, DroneBase CEO and founder. “This access to valuable data 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 leverage their training in their civilian lives.”

Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. DroneBase’s global drone operations network provides aerial images and data for commercial clients around the world and in all 50 states of the U.S.