Teledyne FLIR SIRAS: A Secure Thermal Platform for Enterprise Missions

Many enterprise and public safety drone programs have long relied on a few dominant brands for thermal imaging. There’s a growing demand for an alternative drone solution that combines high-end thermal capabilities with domestic manufacturing. Teledyne FLIR SIRAS aims to address these needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore how the FLIR SIRAS platform stands apart in the commercial drone market. From its dual thermal-visible camera payload and data-secure design, to its ready-to-fly durability, SIRAS is engineered to empower teams in public safety, inspection, search-and-rescue, and utilities.

Key Features of the SIRAS Platform

SIRAS was built from the ground up with enterprise and first responders in mind. Here’s a quick look at what makes this platform unique and powerful:

Cybersecure Data Handling: All imagery and flight data stay on-board (microSD storage) with >no cloud connection required, ensuring sensitive information never leaves your control. No user accounts or logins needed to operate.
Dual Thermal + Visible Cameras: Equipped with a high-resolution FLIR Boson thermal sensor and a 16MP visible camera on one gimbal for synchronized imaging. Provides thermal radiometric data and full-color visuals with up to 128x zoom for the visible camera and 5x digital zoom on thermal.
Flexible, Swappable Payload System: Designed with a quick-connect gimbal mount, allowing you to interchange payloads or upgrade as new sensors become available. >Future-proof your drone: adapt to different mission needs (the included Vue™ dual camera, or other payloads down the line) without changing the airframe.
Rugged, All-Weather Design: IP54-rated construction keeps dust and light rain at bay. SIRAS’s durable build and radar-based front collision avoidance let it operate safely in tough environments—day or night—so you can trust it in smoke, darkness, or rough field conditions.
Rapid Deployment & Easy Operation: Can typically be ready to fly within approximately 2 minutes after startup. There’s no mandatory app log-in or firmware check delays—just power on and fly. The controls are intuitive, though new pilots should expect a learning curve typical for professional-grade drones.
Extended Flight Time & Hot-Swappable Batteries: Stay in the air longer with up to 31-minute flight endurance per battery. When it’s time to swap packs, the hot-swappable battery design means you can quickly land, switch batteries, and get back in the air within seconds—no system reboot required—maximizing operational uptime.
Competitive Pricing & ROI: SIRAS delivers high-end thermal drone capabilities at a competitive price point (under $10K USD for the standard bundle). Its affordability, combined with its feature set, offers strong ROI for budget-conscious agencies and organizations. With no recurring cloud service fees or geofence unlock hassles, you save money and time over the life of the system.

Secure Data & Cybersecurity by Design

For many government and enterprise users, data security is a top concern. SIRAS was engineered with privacy in mind: all photos, videos, and flight logs are stored locally on the drone’s microSD card. There’s no cloud upload or external server connection happening in the background.

This means sensitive imagery (e.g. accident scenes, critical infrastructure inspections) stays in your hands only. Operators aren’t required to create any online profile or login to fly the drone, which not only speeds up deployment but also eliminates potential data-sharing with a manufacturer’s servers. I

Offline operation: No internet or cellular connection needed for full functionality.
Secure storage: Removable microSD keeps mission data offline; easy to hand over to evidence management or IT departments after flights.
Peace of mind: Ideal for sensitive missions (law enforcement, critical inspections) where data privacy and compliance are non-negotiable.

Dual Thermal + Visible Camera System for Enhanced Imaging

At the heart of SIRAS is its dual-sensor payload that combines a powerful thermal imager with a high-resolution visual camera. This FLIR drone carries a FLIR Boson® thermal sensor (640x512 resolution, radiometric) that can detect heat signatures and measure temperatures from the air—crucial for finding hotspots or people in darkness.

Alongside it is a 16-megapixel visible light camera offering true color imaging and a 128× zoom capability for inspecting fine details from afar. The two camera feeds are stabilized on a gimbal and can be viewed picture-in-picture or side by side, giving pilots and command centers both context and detail in real time.

To make the thermal imagery even more impactful, SIRAS employs FLIR’s patented MSX® technology, which overlays edge detail from the visible camera onto the thermal image. The result: clearer, more recognizable thermal images that help identify objects and read details (like signage or numbers).

Thermal Camera: 640×512 FLIR Boson core providing clear and reliable thermal imagery.; supports radiometric data (each pixel has temperature info) for accurate temperature readings.
Visible Camera: 16 MP sensor provides detailed imagery suitiable for most inspection and monitoring tasks.; long-range zoom (up to 128x digital) allows close inspection without getting the drone too near to hazards.
Simultaneous Views: See thermal and visible feeds together to correlate heat anomalies with real-world objects instantly.
FLIR MSX® Fusion: Thermal images enriched with visual detail – faster interpretation and better situational awareness in the field.

Flexible, Swappable Payload and Future Expansion

SIRAS is not a one-trick pony—it’s built as a platform that can adapt with your changing needs. The drone features an interchangeable payload system: the included dual thermal/visible camera gimbal can be quickly detached and swapped, thanks to a quick-connect mount.

This design makes the SIRAS versatile and >future-proof. Today, you might fly the standard Vue™ TV128 dual-camera payload; tomorrow, Teledyne FLIR or third-party developers could offer new payloads (for example, higher resolution sensors, specialized cameras, or other instruments)n

Quick-connect gimbal: Change payloads in seconds with a simple, secure locking mechanism. No complex tools or recalibration required.
Future-proof: Teledyne FLIR’s roadmap could bring new compatible sensors; your drone’s capabilities can grow without needing an all-new aircraft.
Versatility: One drone can tackle thermal imaging, photogrammetry, or other tasks by using appropriate payloads, maximizing utilization of your fleet.

Rugged Build for Real-World Conditions

SIRAS is engineered to handle rugged environments so you can trust it when conditions get challenging. The airframe carries an IP54 rating, meaning it’s protected against dust and precipitation—useful for dusty construction sites or rainy search & rescue scenes.

SIRAS is also equipped with a radar-based front collision avoidance system, which actively detects obstacles in its flight path (day or night) to help prevent collisions in complex environments like forests or urban settings. This adds a layer of safety and confidence, especially when flying in low-visibility conditions or during critical operations where the pilot’s attention is on the mission at hand.

In terms of operating range, the drone’s dual-band 2.4/5.8 GHz communication system ensures a reliable control link, even around obstacles or interference-prone areas (within an operational range of up to 9 km in open conditions).

This means you can maintain connectivity when flying around buildings or through challenging industrial environments.

Weather resistant: Fly in light rain, fog, or dusty areas without worry (IP54 durability keeps internals protected).
Collision avoidance: Forward radar sensor to automatically warn or stop the drone when obstacles are detected, supporting safer operations at lower altitudes, though pilot attentiveness remains essential.
Day/Night ops: Designed to perform 24/7 – thermal imaging and reliable sensors make it as effective at night or in smoke as it is in daylight.
Reliable link: Dual-band transmission for strong signal penetration and stability, so you stay in control even in challenging RF environments.

Fast Deployment and Easy Flight Operations

In emergency response operations, minutes matter. The SIRAS drone is designed for fast deployment, getting airborne in as little as 1-2 minutes from arrival on scene. The startup sequence is streamlined – with no required app logins or network checks, you can power on, snap in the battery, and take off quickly.

Beyond quick startup, SIRAS is easy to operate for pilots of varying skill levels. Teledyne FLIR made it “easy-to-fly” with responsive controls and stable hovering, so new pilots can gain proficiency quickly, and experienced pilots can execute precise maneuvers confidently.

The system integrates with common drone operation workflows too – for instance, it’s compatible with AirData™ UAV and DroneLogbook™ software, allowing you to seamlessly log flights and monitor fleet health in the tools you already use for compliance and maintenance tracking.

Quick startup: From case to flight in under 2 minutes – minimal pre-flight hassle.
User-friendly controls: Stable flight performance and intelligent flight modes (if available) to aid pilots in capturing the data they need.
Workflow integration: Support for popular flight log and fleet management platforms; simple data transfer via SD card for analysis and reporting.
Minimal training required: Intuitive system design means your team can get up to speed and operational in short order, reducing the learning curve.

Long Flight Time & Hot-Swappable Batteries

When you’re in the middle of a critical inspection or search operation, every minute of flight counts. SIRAS carries a 31-minute maximum flight time per battery charge (under ideal conditions). This extended endurance is on par with or better than many drones in its class, allowing you to survey large areas or persist longer over a target for monitoring.

Another mission critical benefit is its hot-swappable battery system. Rather than powering down the drone to change batteries, SIRAS lets you swap packs while keeping the system on standby. This means in practice you can land, exchange the depleted battery for a fresh one, and take off again >almost immediately, preserving your momentum during time-sensitive missions.

Up to 31 minutes per battery under ideal conditions; actual flight times may vary based on environmental factors and payload usage.
Hot-swap capability enables quicker battery changes, reducing downtime, though a brief landing interval is still required.
Intelligent battery system: (If applicable) Provides status info and safeguards against over-discharge, contributing to flight safety and battery longevity.
Range to match endurance: With a control range up to 6+ miles (line-of-sight), SIRAS can cover extensive linear assets (like pipelines or power lines) within a single flight.

Competitive Pricing and Value for Enterprise

High-end thermal drones have traditionally come with high-end price tags, often limiting access for smaller agencies or forcing tough budget choices. Teledyne FLIR SIRAS breaks that mold by offering an enterprise-grade thermal drone at a more accessible price. With base bundles (including the dual camera payload) priced under the five-figure mark, SIRAS is positioned as an affordable alternative to other professional drone platforms.

This lower cost of entry doesn’t mean skimping on capability—on the contrary, SIRAS includes features that some pricier options lack.

Budget-friendly for its class: Solid thermal imaging capability at a competitive price point, making it easier to justify and obtain funding.
Fleet scalability: More affordable means you can equip more teams with SIRAS drones, or have backups, without breaking the bank.
Lower ongoing costs: No hidden fees for extra software services; uses widely available batteries and accessories, which keeps maintenance and operational expenses reasonable.
Strong manufacturer support: Backed by Teledyne FLIR’s reputation and service network, adding value through reliability and customer support.

Elevate Your Mission with Teledyne FLIR SIRAS

In a landscape dominated by a few big drone makers, the Teledyne FLIR SIRAS can be a refreshing alternative—one that “offers greater control, data security, and practical capabilities suited to many enterprise and public safety applications. It combines the best of FLIR’s renowned thermal imaging technology with robust flight performance and practical features shaped by the needs of professionals on the ground.

Take the next step towards a more secure, capable, and flexible drone operation—reach out to our enterprise sales team and let’s elevate your mission capabilities.