Introducing the Dark Hive YellowJacket Series of Tactical Drones

Dronefly has officially launched the Dark Hive YellowJacket Series, a U.S.-made line of compact tactical drones built for close-quarters battle (CQB) and short-range reconnaissance missions. Designed for GPS-denied environments where other UAVs fail, YellowJacket drones deliver rapid toss-to-deploy capability, lightweight design, and secure communications.

Today’s operators need more than hobby-grade gear. They need rugged, mission-ready tools that provide situational awareness in seconds. The YellowJacket lineup was engineered for that role:

• Law enforcement: Clear rooms, stairwells, and confined areas safely
• Defense teams: Gain reconnaissance without the logistics of larger UAVs
• Public safety agencies: Deploy drones instantly in disaster or search scenarios
• Infrastructure security: Inspect tunnels, warehouses, and facilities where GPS is unavailable

This article will cover:

• Why short range drones like the YellowJacket CQB and Tactical SA matter for tactical and reconnaissance missions
• How the YellowJacket ecosystem expands with secure controllers, LiPo battery bundles, simulation software, and tactical drone training
• What makes Dronefly the trusted partner for tactical drones for sale in the United States

YellowJacket Tactical Drone Series Overview

The Dark Hive YellowJacket lineup is more than a single drone. It’s a complete tactical drone system that pairs compact UAVs with controllers, batteries, simulation software, and tactical drone training. Each component is built to extend mission capability and reduce downtime in the field.

For agencies looking at tactical drones for sale, this series covers everything from CQB drones for confined spaces to simulation tools that help teams train without burning hardware.

Quick Specs at a Glance

 

Why the YellowJacket Series Matters

Tactical drones are no longer optional—they are becoming standard equipment. Agencies need UAVs that can deploy quickly, operate indoors, and perform in GPS-denied environments. That’s where the YellowJacket series comes in.

Why short-range, autonomous drones are critical today

• Urban environments: CQB drones help law enforcement and SWAT teams clear rooms, stairwells, and confined areas safely.
• Infrastructure inspections: Indoor tactical drones navigate tunnels, warehouses, and critical facilities where GPS is unavailable.
• Defense and reconnaissance: Small reconnaissance drones give military teams situational awareness without the logistics burden of larger UAVs.
• Public safety missions: Short range drones provide real-time video and thermal data during search-and-rescue or disaster response.

Positioning the YellowJacket series

Dark Hive is one of the few U.S.-based companies purpose-built for tactical drones. With GPS-denied autonomy and a complete ecosystem of controllers, batteries, simulation tools, and training, the YellowJacket line offers agencies a reliable choice at a time when sourcing American-made technology matters more than ever.

YellowJacket CQB and Tactical SA UAS Bundle

The YellowJacket CQB and Tactical SA Bundle is the centerpiece of Dark Hive’s tactical lineup and the most versatile option for agencies that demand full coverage. Instead of forcing teams to choose between an indoor tactical drone and an outdoor reconnaissance drone, this bundle provides both in a single, mission-ready package.

It combines the CQB variant—engineered for confined indoor operations—with the Tactical SA variant, designed for perimeter security and situational awareness. Together, they give agencies the ability to adapt instantly to changing mission needs without switching platforms or compromising safety.

What’s Inside the Bundle

• YellowJacket CQB Drone: Compact, lightweight UAV for close-quarters operations, optimized for stairwells, hallways, and room entries.
• YellowJacket Tactical SA Drone: Outfitted with EO and thermal sensors for perimeter sweeps, outdoor reconnaissance, and extended visibility.
• Ground Control Compatibility: Seamless integration with the Samsung G23 Tactical Edition GCS.
• Accessory Support: Fully compatible with Dark Hive’s modular battery packs and RASTER simulator training system.

Key Technical Features

• Compact frame: ~8×8×1 in, ~400 g weight, portable and easy to deploy
• Dual payloads: 4K EO camera + 160×120 thermal sensor for true day/night situational awareness
• Sub-3 second toss-to-deploy: Get drones airborne instantly in emergencies
• GPS-denied navigation: VIO (Visual-Inertial Odometry) keeps drones stable indoors or under interference
• Encrypted communications: WPA2/3 with ATAK support for secure command and control
• Ruggedized design: Operates in extreme temperatures, indoors or outdoors

Mission Advantage

Most small tactical drones fail under GPS loss, or they specialize in only one environment. The YellowJacket bundle bridges that gap by pairing two complementary UAVs. Agencies no longer have to compromise: you get CQB capabilities for confined spaces and outdoor reconnaissance for broader awareness, all with a unified, secure control system.

Mission Applications

• Law Enforcement SWAT: Room clearing, barricade response, stairwell and attic surveillance
• Defense Reconnaissance: Small unit tactical operations, short-range scouting, GPS-denied missions
• Critical Infrastructure Security: Inspecting tunnels, warehouses, storage facilities, and restricted areas
• Emergency Response: Urban disaster search in collapsed structures or low-visibility conditions

Samsung G23 Tactical Edition GCS Ready

A tactical drone is only as effective as the system controlling it. The Samsung G23 Tactical Edition is the rugged, secure ground control station (GCS) designed to pair seamlessly with the YellowJacket CQB and Tactical SA drones. Built for high-stakes missions, it delivers the power, security, and connectivity operators need in the field.

Key Features

• Rugged display: 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for clarity and durability
• High security: Samsung Knox 3.9 platform and DualDAR encryption for mission data protection
• Reliable connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, tactical radio, and FirstNet-ready for public safety use
• Strong performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with 8 GB RAM for smooth, lag-free control
• Mission-ready software: Preloaded and configured for YellowJacket operations out of the box

Why Agencies Need It

Consumer tablets and smartphones aren’t built for tactical conditions. Agencies need more than a screen—they need a secure, mobile command center. The Samsung G23 Tactical Edition provides:

• Encrypted communications that protect sensitive mission feeds
• Reliable performance in both urban and field environments
• Seamless pairing with CQB drones and short range reconnaissance drones for real-time situational awareness

Dark Hive LiPo Battery Bundle 4-Pack

Every mission depends on reliable power. The Dark Hive LiPo Battery Bundle provides four modular, USB-C rechargeable batteries engineered for tactical conditions. With hot-swappable design and extreme temperature tolerance, this pack ensures your YellowJacket drones stay in the air when it matters most.

Key Features

• Four-pack bundle: Enough capacity to rotate batteries through extended missions
• Extreme performance: Operates reliably in environments from -40°F to 140°F
• Hot-swappable: Quick changes in the field without powering down the drone
• Compact design: Lightweight packs easy to carry on tactical deployments
• USB-C charging: Universal compatibility simplifies logistics and reduces downtime

Power That Keeps Missions Alive

Even the most advanced indoor tactical drone or short range reconnaissance drone is grounded without spare power. Mission delays caused by battery limitations can put responders and operators at risk. With this bundle, agencies gain:

• Extended operational coverage during barricade scenarios, perimeter sweeps, or prolonged searches
• Reduced downtime, thanks to hot-swap capability
• Mission assurance, knowing UAVs remain deployable in extreme weather conditions

Dark Hive RASTER Flight Simulator

Training doesn’t need to drain batteries or risk crashes. The Dark Hive RASTER Flight Simulator gives operators a safe, repeatable way to practice YellowJacket drone maneuvers in realistic virtual environments. With an annual license, agencies receive regular updates that reflect evolving mission scenarios, keeping training current and effective.

Here’s a video walkthrough of RASTER in action. 

Key Benefits

• Protects hardware investment: Cuts down on wear-and-tear, battery cycling, and repair costs
• Operator confidence: Builds skills and decision-making before stepping into live deployments
• Mission rehearsal: Practice indoor CQB flights, perimeter sweeps, and GPS-denied navigation safely
• Scalable training: Supports consistent instruction across entire teams or agencies
• Annual updates: Keeps training modules aligned with the latest drone features and mission demands

Training Impact

Most tactical drone training programs stop at live practice, which can be costly and risky for new operators. The RASTER simulator closes that gap by giving teams a safe, repeatable way to standardize training. It helps agencies move from purchase to deployment faster, with fewer accidents and more confident operators.

Dark Hive On-Location Training

Even the most advanced tactical drones need skilled operators. That’s why Dark Hive offers an on-location training program led by certified instructors. Instead of generic courses, this training happens in your environment, using your mission scenarios, so teams walk away ready for real deployments.

What It Covers

• CQB maneuvers: Flying in stairwells, tight rooms, and confined spaces with YellowJacket CQB
• Reconnaissance tactics: Using Tactical SA drones for perimeter sweeps and situational awareness
• Troubleshooting and maintenance: Hands-on guidance to keep your drones field-ready
• System integration: Incorporating UAVs into existing situation awareness systems and agency workflows

From Hardware to Field-Ready

Buying CQB drones and short range reconnaissance drones is only step one. Without structured training, agencies risk delays, inconsistent skills, or even unsafe deployments. On-location training ensures:

• Operators gain confidence before mission-critical flights
• Teams adopt standardized best practices across units
• Agencies shorten the gap from purchase to full deployment
• Mission readiness improves while long-term support costs go down

Schedule Dark Hive On-Location Training and make your tactical drone program field-ready.

Tactical Advantages of the YellowJacket System

The Dark Hive YellowJacket series isn’t just another drone—it’s a complete tactical ecosystem. Every element has been designed to support agencies in real-world missions, from the aircraft itself to training, simulation, and power management. Here’s how YellowJacket sets itself apart:

GPS-denied navigation with VIO

• Uses Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) to fly where GPS cannot.
• Critical for indoor tactical drones operating in buildings, tunnels, or dense urban areas.
• Ensures stable, predictable flight for CQB drones and short range reconnaissance drones.

Sub-3 second toss-to-deploy

• Launch directly from hand with no setup.
• Saves valuable seconds in emergencies such as hostage rescues or barricaded subject scenarios.
• Keeps small tactical drones mission-ready at all times.

WPA2/3 encrypted comms with ATAK support

• Provides secure video and telemetry feeds to protect sensitive mission data.
• Fully compatible with ATAK workflows used by law enforcement and defense teams.
• Adds confidence for agencies concerned about cybersecurity and compliance.

Compact, rugged build (~400 g)

• Weighs less than a pound, making it highly portable.
• Built to withstand harsh environments and tactical abuse.
• Enclosed prop design reduces risk in close-quarters operations.

Dual payload with EO + thermal sensors

• 4K electro-optical camera for detailed visuals.
• 160×120 thermal sensor for night operations and low-light searches.
• Enables day/night reconnaissance drones for public safety and defense applications.

Simulator and training programs included

• RASTER Flight Simulator prepares operators in a virtual environment.
• On-location training ensures agencies adopt best practices in the field.
• Together, they reduce risk, cut training costs, and standardize tactical drone training.

Hot-swappable LiPo battery packs

• Modular design allows instant battery replacement without downtime.
• Four-pack bundle ensures continuous operations during extended missions.
• Field-tested to perform in extreme hot and cold conditions.

The YellowJacket delivers tactical performance with no compromises. See the full YellowJacket ecosystem and equip your team with drones built for mission-critical work.

Filling the Tactical Drone Gap

Most coverage of tactical UAVs focuses on theory, military programs, or high-level trends. Competitor blogs highlight SRR updates or tactical drone news, but they rarely give non-military buyers clear options for real-world procurement. That leaves law enforcement, emergency response teams, and infrastructure security with unanswered questions: Which tactical drones are actually available, and how do they perform?

The YellowJacket series fills that gap. It combines CQB drones and short range reconnaissance drones with U.S.-based manufacturing and practical accessories that agencies need to actually field these systems.

Why Dronefly is the trusted source for tactical drones

• Enterprise experience: Years of supporting public safety, defense, and industrial drone programs with tailored solutions.
• Procurement and compliance expertise: Guidance on NDAA policy, sourcing rules, and agency procurement requirements for fleets where compliance applies.
• Partnerships: Direct collaboration with manufacturers like Dark Hive to deliver mission-ready systems backed by training and integration support.
  

Tactical Drone Trends and Why Now Matters

The shift toward small tactical drones is no longer theoretical. It’s already reshaping how law enforcement, defense, and public safety agencies operate. Missions that once relied on manpower alone now demand compact UAVs that can deliver rapid situational awareness in real time.

Urban operations demand indoor tactical drones

• Cities present complex challenges: tight spaces, stairwells, and dense building layouts.
• Indoor tactical drones like the YellowJacket CQB are designed to clear rooms, navigate hallways, and enter GPS-denied environments safely.
• Agencies are already deploying drones in search-and-rescue, SWAT, and building inspection roles where GPS is unreliable.

GPS denial is a real-world challenge

• Jamming and interference are no longer rare — they’re expected in high-stakes operations.
• Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) gives drones like the YellowJacket the ability to operate indoors or in contested signal environments.
• This capability separates mission-ready tactical drones from hobby-grade UAVs.

Short-range reconnaissance is a priority

• The U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program and police drone adoption highlight the importance of short range drones.
• These drones give small units and SWAT teams immediate intelligence without waiting on larger aircraft.
• Civilian agencies now benefit from the same design principles — portability, autonomy, and fast deployment — built into the YellowJacket system.

American sourcing matters

• Procurement rules are tightening, and many agencies now prioritize drones built in the United States.
• Dark Hive is one of the few manufacturers focused on tactical-first designs.
• For agencies, this means fewer sourcing concerns and a clear path to sustainable fleet growth.

Why YellowJacket fits the trend

• Compact and rugged: Less than a pound, built for confined and harsh environments.
• Mission-specific models: CQB for close-quarters and Tactical SA for perimeter recon.
• Complete ecosystem: Secure controller, modular batteries, simulator, and training included.
• Trusted partner: Dronefly provides procurement guidance, compliance support, and tactical drone training.

Training and Simulation Gaps Competitors Miss

Most drone vendors stop at hardware. They sell UAVs, batteries, and accessories, then leave agencies to figure out the hardest part: how to train operators and integrate drones into real missions. Without structured instruction, even advanced tactical drones often sit unused or are deployed improperly, leading to wasted budgets and safety risks.

Where competitors fall short

• Hardware only sales: No follow-through on training or mission integration.
• No simulation tools: Teams must train live, burning through batteries and risking crashes.
• Inconsistent operator skills: Without standardized instruction, performance varies across units.
• Delayed adoption: Agencies spend months building internal SOPs instead of flying.

How YellowJacket closes the gap

The Dark Hive YellowJacket ecosystem builds training into the system itself, not as an afterthought:

• RASTER Flight Simulator: Lets teams practice in a virtual environment that mirrors YellowJacket dynamics. Operators can rehearse indoor tactical drone maneuvers, perimeter sweeps, and GPS-denied navigation before ever flying live.
• On-location training: Delivered by certified specialists, these courses teach teams how to safely deploy CQB drones and short range reconnaissance drones in their actual mission environment.
• Standardization across units: Ensures every operator, from new recruits to experienced responders, learns the same best practices.
• Lower operating costs: Simulation reduces hardware wear, battery cycling, and accidental crashes, cutting long-term expenses.

Why this matters for agencies

• Faster transition from purchase to operational readiness
• Safer deployments with fewer training-related incidents
• Higher ROI because drones are flown confidently and consistently
• Proof of readiness for command staff, procurement officers, and compliance audits

Competitors vs YellowJacket – At a Glance

 

Talk to Dronefly about simulation and training packages for your agency.

How to Procure and Deploy the YellowJacket

Buying tactical drones isn’t just about adding new hardware. Agencies need a clear process to make sure the right drone is purchased, operators are trained, and deployment is smooth. The YellowJacket series simplifies this by offering a structured path from selection to scaling.

Step 1 – Identify your mission profile

• CQB drones: Built for confined, indoor operations where room clearing or close-quarters reconnaissance is required.
• Tactical SA drones: Designed for perimeter sweeps, outdoor reconnaissance, and broader situational awareness.
• Agencies can decide whether they need indoor tactical drones, short range reconnaissance drones, or both.

Step 2 – Consult with Dronefly experts

• Work with Dronefly specialists to match the right YellowJacket bundle to your agency’s mission.
• Get guidance on selecting accessories like the Samsung G23 Tactical Edition GCS or the LiPo battery pack bundle for extended operations.

Step 3 – Train, deploy, and scale

• Build operator confidence with the RASTER Flight Simulator before live missions.
• Schedule on-location training for hands-on instruction tailored to your operational environment.
• Standardize workflows across teams so every operator follows the same best practices.
• Scale up as your agency grows, with repeatable procurement and training processes.

Here's a handy, easy-to-follow checklist for you:

YellowJacket procurement checklist

Follow these steps to select, deploy, and scale your tactical drone program with Dark Hive YellowJacket and Dronefly support.

Step 1 – Identify your mission profile

• Do you need CQB drones for confined indoor operations
• Do you need Tactical SA drones for perimeter sweeps and situational awareness
• Match drone type to your core mission needs

Step 2 – Consult with Dronefly experts

• Select the right YellowJacket bundle for your operations
• Add mission accessories: Samsung G23 Tactical Edition GCS and LiPo battery bundles
• Get procurement guidance and sourcing support tailored to your agency

Step 3 – Train, deploy, and scale

• Build skills with the RASTER Flight Simulator
• Schedule on-location training for live mission prep
• Standardize workflows and plan to scale across teams

Request your YellowJacket deployment plan

Tip: Save this checklist and share it with procurement, training, and command staff.

 

Ready to equip your agency with a proven tactical drone ecosystem? Request a YellowJacket deployment plan today.

Tactical Drone FAQ

What is a tactical drone

A small UAV built for fast, rugged missions in defense, law enforcement, or security.

What makes a CQB drone different

It’s purpose-built for confined spaces with enclosed props, toss-to-deploy, and GPS-denied navigation.

Can short range tactical drones operate without GPS

Yes. YellowJacket uses VIO navigation to fly indoors or in GPS-denied environments.

What training is required to operate a tactical drone

Structured training with simulators and live instruction ensures safe deployment. Dronefly offers both.

How do you buy tactical drones for your agency

Agencies should consider mission profile, operator training, and ongoing support. Dronefly provides tactical drones for sale plus integration and training services.

Build Tactical Readiness with YellowJacket and Dronefly

The Dark Hive YellowJacket series is designed for agencies that need more than off-the-shelf hardware. It brings together compact drones, secure control systems, rugged batteries, and operator training into a single mission-ready package. With Dronefly’s support, teams can move from purchase to deployment with confidence.

What you get with YellowJacket:

• CQB drones for safe indoor operations and room clearing
• Reconnaissance drones for perimeter sweeps and short-range intelligence
• Situation awareness systems tailored for law enforcement and defense missions
• Training and battery bundles to keep operators prepared and aircraft flying

Dronefly doesn’t just sell drones—we help agencies build sustainable programs with compliance guidance, integration support, and mission-specific training.

Explore the Dark Hive YellowJacket collection and talk to a Dronefly expert about building your tactical drone program today.