The IDI Aquila UAS.
A UK-designed and built quadcopter, engineered from the ground up for Drone as First Responder and demanding professional operations.
IDI Aquila MKIII
Built for real missions, not just demos.
Production-intent performance, engineered against the UK CAA Specific Category framework for BVLOS commercial operations.
Part of the ecosystem
Built to dock. Built to integrate.
The Aquila is not a stand-alone aircraft. It is designed from day one to live in the IDI ecosystem.
Housed in the ADS1000 DFR
The Aquila is built to deploy from the ruggedised, off-grid-capable ADS1000 DFR dock, our UK-built station for 24/7 automated response. Charged, protected, and ready to launch the moment a call comes in.
Explore the ADS1000
Powered by the IDI MAVLink middle layer
The Aquila runs ArduPilot on a CubePilot Cube Orange+, and connects to IDI Fly through our new MAVLink middle layer: an open integration that lets one platform command IDI and third-party MAVLink aircraft side by side. One operating picture, many airframes, no vendor lock-in.
- Long-range MAVLink C2 telemetry via RFD 868x-EU
- One command interface for IDI and third-party aircraft
- Open, standards-based integration with IDI Fly
Engineered for the hardest jobs.
Every system on the Aquila is chosen for reliability in real-world public-safety and BVLOS operations.
Compass-free RTK navigation
Dual CubePilot Here 4 dual-band RTK GNSS with moving-baseline yaw delivers magnetic-compass-free heading and 0.01 m positioning.
Encrypted, mesh-capable datalink
BluSDR-30 software-defined radio with AES256/128 cryptography, mesh ranging, and point-to-multipoint operation across 1.98 to 2.70 GHz.
30× EO gimbal with AI tracking
SIYI ZR10 three-axis gimbal with 30× zoom and onboard AI tracking keeps subjects in frame while operators focus on the mission.
Obstacle avoidance and cooperative DAA
Arducam stereo vision plus an integrated UAVIONIX ADS-B receiver feed ArduPilot detect-and-avoid logic for safer BVLOS flight.
45-minute endurance
T-Drones Ares semi-solid 6S pack (~599 Wh) delivers extended time on task for real missions, not just demos.
ArduPilot autopilot, long-range C2
CubePilot Cube Orange+ running ArduPilot, with an RFD 868x-EU modem for long-range MAVLink command and control telemetry.
The roadmap
One platform. More airframes on the way.
The Aquila quadcopter launches first. VTOL and fixed-wing variants are in concept development, all designed to fly on the same IDI Fly platform and MAVLink middle layer.
Launching Q4 2026 Quadcopter
The production Aquila MKIII. A professional quadcopter for DFR, inspection, and BVLOS operations.
Coming soon VTOL
Vertical take-off and landing for extended range and coverage without a runway. In concept development.
Coming soon Fixed Wing
Long-endurance fixed-wing for wide-area survey and persistent coverage missions. In concept development.
Concept drawings are preliminary and for illustration only, not final designs.
Get ready for the Aquila launch.
Calculate your ROI
Model the operational and financial case for adding the Aquila to your fleet.
Open the ROI calculatorRegister your interest
Be first in line for the Q4 2026 launch. Tell us about your operation and requirements.
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Discuss payloads, integration, and the MAVLink middle layer with the IDI team.
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Be first to fly the Aquila.
Register your interest for the Q4 2026 launch, or build the business case now with the ROI calculator.