ORLANDO, Fla. — Public safety agencies looking to integrate aerial technology into their daily emergency response protocols now have access to a comprehensive, turnkey solution. Drone Nerds, alongside its parent company XTI Aerospace, has officially launched Evolver DFR, a fully integrated Drone as First Responder (DFR) program designed specifically for police, fire, and emergency management departments.

The new offering brings together high-performance aircraft, autonomous docking infrastructure, and advanced flight management software into a single, cohesive package. Announced ahead of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference in Orlando, the initiative aims to remove the traditional operational and logistical hurdles that have historically slowed the adoption of DFR programs across municipalities nationwide.

For years, public safety agencies interested in deploying drones as first responders faced the daunting task of piecing together disparate components from multiple vendors. Departments often had to source aircraft from one manufacturer, docking stations from another, and flight software from a third, while navigating complex regulatory approval processes and staff training internally. Evolver DFR seeks to eliminate these friction points by delivering a standardized, single-source ecosystem.

“Launching a DFR program involves more than purchasing a drone,” said Jeremy Schneiderman, Interim CEO of XTI Aerospace and CEO of Drone Nerds. “Agencies need the aircraft, software, infrastructure, training, and ongoing support to make the system part of their daily operations. Evolver DFR brings those pieces together through a single solution.”

Combining Aircraft, Autonomous Docking, and Software

At the core of the Evolver DFR program is a carefully curated selection of proven hardware and cutting-edge software. The system integrates the Parrot ANAFI UKR GOV drone, the DBOX PRT autonomous docking station, and SkyfireAI’s FlyAura flight management platform.

The Parrot ANAFI UKR GOV aircraft is a Blue UAS-approved drone equipped with robust security and optical capabilities tailored for government and public safety use. It features advanced wide-angle and telephoto cameras capable of delivering a 35x zoom, alongside a high-resolution 640 thermal sensor that allows first responders to detect heat signatures in low-visibility environments, darkness, or dense smoke. Furthermore, the aircraft is engineered for secure communications, featuring AES-256 radio link encryption and FIPS 140-2 compliance to safeguard sensitive operational data.

To ensure the aircraft remains ready for immediate dispatch around the clock, the system utilizes the climate-controlled DBOX PRT docking station. This infrastructure enables fully autonomous launch, precise landing, and rapid battery recharging, allowing the drone to operate reliably across a wide range of challenging weather conditions without requiring on-site personnel for routine maintenance between flights.

Managing the airspace and mission data is SkyfireAI’s FlyAura platform. The cloud-based system supports remote flight operations, real-time video streaming, and seamless information sharing through a standard web browser. It also features Team Awareness Kit (TAK) integration, allowing incident commanders and field responders to share a unified operational picture, alongside searchable flight records for post-mission analysis and reporting.

When combined, these integrated components enable emergency communications centers to dispatch a drone immediately upon receiving an emergency call. The aircraft can arrive at the scene ahead of ground units, providing critical, real-time aerial intelligence that helps incident commanders assess situations, allocate resources, and protect officer and firefighter safety.

Comprehensive Deployment and Operational Support

Deploying a complex aviation program requires deep technical expertise and regulatory navigation, areas that Evolver DFR addresses through extensive professional services. The program encompasses comprehensive coverage planning, site selection, physical installation, and rigorous system integration.

Additionally, the Evolver DFR team assists public safety agencies in navigating the complex regulatory landscape governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This includes helping departments secure essential operational authorizations, such as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers, which are critical for maximizing the geographic coverage and operational efficiency of a DFR program.

To ensure continuity during missions, the offering incorporates Drone Nerds’ established Always Flying service. This support framework provides participating agencies with expedited replacement aircraft, dedicated technical support, and ongoing maintenance resources to minimize downtime.

Agencies also retain operational flexibility. Departments can choose to manage their autonomous drone flights internally using their own trained personnel, or they can leverage SkyfireAI’s operational support services to manage missions externally.

“The future of Drone as First Responder isn’t just about getting an aircraft in the air. It’s about what happens before, during, and after every mission,” said Don Mathis, CEO of SkyfireAI. “With FlyAura, we’re bringing AI-assisted mission planning, remote flight operations, and real-time intelligence together in one platform. Combined with SkyfireAI’s operational expertise, Evolver DFR gives agencies the flexibility to manage their own programs or rely on our team to operate them. That’s how we move DFR beyond individual deployments and make it a scalable, everyday public safety capability.”

A Predictable Multi-Year Purchasing Model

Beyond hardware and software integration, Evolver DFR introduces an alternative financial structure designed to simplify municipal procurement. While many modern tech and software initiatives rely heavily on ongoing recurring subscription fees, the Evolver DFR program utilizes a multi-year purchasing model.

According to the companies, public safety agencies can acquire a complete, multi-year program spanning multiple operational locations through a single purchase order. This approach bypasses recurring subscription fees for the contracted solution, streamlining the administrative burden of budget approvals and offering predictable, long-term cost management for city and county governments. While the exact financial terms and contract lengths vary based on agency requirements, the model is structured to make large-scale DFR deployment more accessible to municipalities with rigid budgeting cycles.

The Evolver DFR system is scheduled for public demonstration at the IACP 2026 conference in Orlando, Florida, running from October 24 through October 26 at Booth 2761. Additional details regarding the program specifications and deployment options can be found through the official Evolver DFR platform.