As the commercial and enterprise drone landscape continues to evolve, many organizations are turning toward U.S.-made aircraft that meet strict government compliance standards.
From survey‑grade mapping and LiDAR scanning to powerline inspections and research applications, professionals need dependable platforms that can adapt to complex environments without compromising security or reliability.
The Inspired Flight IF800 TOMCAT is one of a few U.S manufactured drone platforms addressing that need. Designed and manufactured in San Luis Obispo, California, this medium‑lift quadcopter combines rugged engineering, precision flight control, and mission‑ready adaptability in a compact, portable system. It’s fully NDAA compliant as well as Blue-listed, making it a good choice for government agencies, critical infrastructures, and other federal work.
Built on years of domestic manufacturing experience, the IF800 reflects Inspired Flight’s mission to conserve resources, save lives, and create jobs by advancing the American small‑UAS industry. Each aircraft is backed by a team of engineers and support specialists who work directly with customers across public safety, construction, agriculture, and infrastructure to ensure success from takeoff to data delivery.
About Inspired Flight
American Engineering with a Mission.
Founded in 2017 in San Luis Obispo, California, Inspired Flight was built on a clear mission: to conserve resources, save lives, and create jobs by reshoring drone manufacturing in the United States.
From the beginning, co-founders Rick Stollmeyer and Adam Bilmes recognized the long-term value of a secure, domestic supply chain. That early investment positioned Inspired Flight ahead of regulatory shifts, giving them a head start in developing NDAA-compliant, Blue UAS-approved systems that meet today’s national security standards.
Their growing team of engineers, operators, and support specialists designs every aircraft with a commitment to reliability, transparency, and long-term customer success. While the heavy-lift IF1200A supports more specialized payloads, the IF800 TOMCAT was built for flexible, high-performance operations in real-world conditions.
Flight Time & Endurance
More Air Time, Fewer Interruptions
With a maximum advertised flight time of 54 minutes, the IF800 TOMCAT sets a high bar for medium-lift endurance. Actual time aloft will vary depending on payload and weather conditions, but the extended ceiling allows for more efficient mission planning and fewer battery swaps in the field.
From corridor mapping to agricultural surveys and emergency overwatch, this endurance profile supports longer flights, greater coverage, and fewer disruptions.
NDAA, Blue UAS & Green UAS Compliance
Cleared for Sensitive Use Cases
The IF800 TOMCAT is fully NDAA compliant, listed under Blue UAS 2.0, and certified through Green UAS, ensuring the platform meets rigorous sourcing, security, and manufacturing standards. While not all agencies or departments require these certifications, the IF800 is approved for operations where compliance is mandated.
Payload Capacity, Speed & Wind Resistance
Balanced Power for Real-World Environments
The IF800 TOMCAT supports a maximum takeoff weight of 25.1 pounds, allowing up to 6.6 pounds of payload. It maintains control even in sustained winds up to 19 knots, withstanding gusts up to 23 knots without compromising stability.
With a top airspeed of 48 miles per hour, the IF800 is built for demanding terrain and changing conditions, making it great for high-resolution mapping, structural inspections, and advanced sensing applications.
Smart Dovetail Payload System
One Mount, Endless Flexibility
IF800 features Inspired Flight’s Smart Dovetail system, a Pixhawk-based interface designed for rapid payload integration and field-swappability.
Power and data are passed through a shared rail, eliminating the need for external cables or custom mounts. Operators can swap between optical, LiDAR, multispectral, and specialty tooling payloads in seconds.
With support for over 26 payload configurations, the Dovetail system gives teams the flexibility to adapt to changing mission requirements without downtime or reconfiguration.
Battery Technology
Smart Power for Continuous Field Operations
The IF800is powered by dual IB388 smart batteries. These hot‑swappable packs enable rapid turnaround in the field without full system shutdown.
Each battery connects via a built‑in, on-battery, NFC communication that tracks health, cycle count, and status over .
Software Ecosystem
Inspired Suite: Unified Tools for Pilots, Managers, and Teams
Inspired Flight's Inspired Suite brings flight control, pilot oversight, and operational record-keeping into one secure software ecosystem. All three of its applications are interoperable across the IF800 and IF1200A platforms.
Inspired Ground Control (IGC)
A mission-focused ground station interface built on open-source QGroundControl. IGC enables waypoint planning, live telemetry, in-flight payload control, and secure pilot authentication.
Elevate
A browser-based fleet dashboard for managers. Track pilot certifications, flight logs, maintenance alerts, and system usage—no spreadsheets required.
PilotGO
A mobile companion app for pre-flight checklists, post-flight logs, and aircraft health tracking, all synced back to Elevate in real time.
IF800 TOMCAT Specifications
|
Category |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Max Flight Time |
54 minutes |
|
Max Payload Capacity |
6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
|
Max Gross Takeoff Weight |
25.1 lbs (11.4 kg) |
|
Max Air Speed |
48 mph (22 m/s) |
|
Max Ascent Speed |
16 ft/s |
|
Max Descent Speed |
10 ft/s |
|
Sustained Wind Resistance |
19 knots |
|
Gust Tolerance |
23 knots |
|
Operating Temp Range |
14°F to 113°F (-10°C to 45°C) |
|
Ingress Protection |
IP43 |
|
Folded Dimensions |
14.2 × 17.4 × 20.3 in |
|
Unfolded Dimensions |
51.8 × 44.8 × 20.3 in |
|
Aircraft Weight (no bat.) |
9.2 lbs |
|
Aircraft Weight (w/ bat.) |
18.5 lbs |
|
Transport Case Weight |
40 lbs (incl. aircraft & batteries) |
|
Flight Controller |
Cube Blue H7 |
|
GNSS / Compass |
Dual Here4 Blue |
|
Software Stack |
ArduPilot (Copter) |
|
Flight Modes |
Auto, Loiter, RTL, Land, Position Hold |
Ground Control Stations
Two Options Built for Field Use and Mission Control
GS‑ONE
Built for enterprise and government use, the GS‑ONE pairs a rugged, IP55‑rated enclosure with a 2,000 nit 7-inch touchscreen, enabling visibility in bright sun or low light.
It features hot-swappable batteries for up to 5 hours of runtime, and offers multi‑channel connectivity including LTE, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and a 2.5‑mile video-and-telemetry link. Android 14 and a Qualcomm processor run Inspired Ground Control and third-party apps with zero lag, making it ideal for time-sensitive or mobile operations.
Herelink V1.1
Compact and lightweight, the Herelink V1.1 is a streamlined alternative for teams who prefer a smaller form factor. It includes a 1,000 nit 5.46-inch touchscreen, a built-in 4,950 mAh battery, and customizable input options. With a 12-mile transmission range and integrated controls, it supports long-distance missions without the need for external receivers or accessories.
Payload Ecosystem
Versatile Integrations for a Wide Range of Missions
The IF800 TOMCAT supports over two dozen payloads across optical, thermal, LiDAR, multispectral, and specialized tooling categories. Below is a list of supported systems grouped by use case.
Optical & EO/IR
-
Sony ILX-LR1: Compact full-frame RGB camera designed for high-resolution photogrammetry.
-
Gremsy VIO F1: Stabilized RGB camera for general aerial imaging and video capture.
-
ROCK R3 V2: Lightweight visual sensor optimized for real-time awareness and inspection.
-
ROCK R3 Pro V2: Enhanced version of the R3 with improved imaging quality and modular options.
-
ROCK Ultra: High-performance visual payload for advanced imaging and mapping applications.
-
Phase One iXM-100: Ultra-high-resolution medium format camera for detailed aerial surveys.
Multispectral / Thermal / Hyperspectral
-
Sentera 65R: High-speed, high-resolution RGB sensor for plant counting and research.
-
Sentera 6X: Multispectral sensor with five global shutter bands and RGB overlay.
-
MicaSense Altum-PT: Thermal and multispectral imager with high radiometric accuracy.
-
Sentera 6X Thermal Pro: Dual thermal and multispectral imaging system for agricultural analytics.
LiDAR
-
YellowScan Mapper: Entry-level UAV LiDAR system for general terrain mapping.
-
YellowScan Mapper+: Upgraded Mapper with improved range and precision.
-
YellowScan Vx-20: Survey-grade LiDAR with exceptional accuracy for topographic work.
-
Phoenix Ranger-U120: Long-range LiDAR sensor with centimeter-level point cloud density.
-
Phoenix Recon-A: Lightweight, quick-deploy LiDAR payload for mobile survey teams.
-
RIEGL miniVUX-1UAV: Compact, high-resolution LiDAR for narrow or complex terrain.
-
RIEGL VUX-120: Full-featured, high-speed LiDAR for corridor mapping and advanced analytics.
-
Geocue TrueView 515: Dual-sensor LiDAR and imaging system for geospatial professionals.
Geophysical / Subsurface
-
Zond Aero 500 GPR: Ground-penetrating radar payload for subsurface mapping and anomaly detection.
-
Sensys MagDrone R3: Magnetometer array for detecting underground utilities, UXO, and metallic objects.
Specialty Tools & Accessories
-
Osprey Nonconductive Payload System: Insulated utility tool carrier for energized infrastructure.
-
Greenlee EK425 – Grapple: Remote-controlled grapple for object retrieval and placement.
-
Greenlee EK425 – Wire Cutter: Electrically insulated cutting tool for high-voltage environments.
-
Linebird Line Dropper: Precision tool for installing lines or connectors on power infrastructure.
-
Lineman Assistance Kit: Multi-tool integration system for field crews supporting aerial repair tasks.
-
Ohmmeter Adaptation Kit: Payload interface for resistance testing on aerial electrical systems.
-
Laser Falcon Methane Detector: Optical gas sensor for pipeline and industrial gas leak detection.
A Platform That Works as Hard as You Do
The IF800 TOMCAT brings together long flight times, smart battery tech, modular payload support, and full NDAA, Blue UAS, and Green UAS compliance in a compact, U.S.-made platform. It is built for professionals who need reliability in changing conditions and adaptability across mission types.
To request a quote or explore the IF800 TOMCAT in more detail, learn more at Advexure.
