Orkid, an aerospace technology company specializing in tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS), today announced its entry into the U.S. market with a series of satellite communication (SATCOM)-enabled fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platforms, specifically designed for defense, inspection, and remote operations in communication-restricted environments.
Orkid’s latest systems are purpose-built for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions, combining VTOL capabilities with global connectivity and multi-mission versatility. Each platform is fully compliant with NDAA standards and meticulously engineered to meet the stringent operational requirements of U.S. federal agencies, utility companies, and tactical users.
Orkid stated: “This is not just a drone — it is a field-proven aerial platform designed for real-world operations that other drones cannot handle. With a SATCOM-enabled architecture and an NDAA-compliant supply chain, we are able to provide secure remote capabilities for critical mission environments, ranging from national security to remote infrastructure.”
Key technical highlights:
- Satellite communication command and control – reliable, high-bandwidth operation beyond line of sight;
- RF and cellular network integration;
- NDAA-compliant architecture – fully meeting U.S. federal procurement and cybersecurity requirements;
- Fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing design – no runway needed, deployable within 10 minutes;
- Fully encrypted system – providing end-to-end security for sensitive and classified missions;
- Modular payload bay – supports ISR, LiDAR, electro-optical/infrared, and industrial payloads (up to 2.5 kg);
The ORKID 260VTOL ISR variant delivers unparalleled performance in ISR drone missions, offering a flight time of up to 120 minutes, an operational range of up to 160 kilometers, and wind resistance up to 12 meters per second. Seamlessly integrated with Starlink satellites, this variant can operate fully autonomously and provides real-time video and telemetry data through an intelligent C2 Link, requiring no ground infrastructure.
Equipped with a modular payload bay, the drone supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions with features such as AI tracking, 40x to 80x optical zoom, and advanced sensors including NDAA-compliant NextVision Starling or Raptor cameras, as well as the Trilium system with 1280×720 thermal imaging and a 3000-meter laser rangefinder. ORKID ensures rapid deployment, ready to fly within 5 minutes, making it an ideal choice for the most demanding applications.
