ACSL SOTEN Drones - Secure. Swappable. Mission-Ready.
ACSL SOTEN is a purpose-built drone system for professionals who demand modular performance and data security in the field. Manufactured in Japan and NDAA-compliant, the SOTEN platform supports enterprise, public safety, environmental, and defense operations across the U.S.
With a compact, foldable 1.7 kg airframe, the SOTEN is IP43-rated for weather resistance, Remote ID ready, and designed for BVLOS control with LTE support. Its swappable camera bay enables instant payload changes-making it a truly field-adaptable system for dynamic operational demands.
Available SOTEN Packages at Dronefly:
- Basic Package - With the 20MP Standard Camera and SOTEN airframe.
- Mission Package - Standard Controller + 5 smart batteries for extended deployment.
- Inspection Package - Ruggedized with the TENSO Smart Controller and optical payload.
- Thermal Package - Outfitted with the FLIR Hadron 640R for first response and industrial diagnostics.
- Multispectral Package - Targeted at agriculture and land management applications.
- Survey Package - Combines high-resolution imaging with advanced field control.
Available Payloads:
- Standard Camera - 1" sensor, 20MP with mechanical shutter.
- Multispectral Camera - 3-band (550/680/850nm) for NDVI and plant health.
- Optical Zoom Camera - 25x zoom with 4K video and still capture.
- Thermal Camera - FLIR Hadron 640R with EO/thermal fusion.
- High-Res Thermal Camera - Combines 64MP EO and 640 radiometric thermal on a stabilized gimbal.
Controller Options:
- TENSO Smart Controller - IP43-rated, 5" bright display, encrypted, LTE/WiFi capable.
- Standard Controller - AES256-secure and smartphone-compatible, designed for field agility.
SOTEN Accessories Available from Dronefly:
- Smart Batteries & Chargers - Stay in the air longer with field-proven power options
- Replacement Propellers - Maintain uptime with easy-to-install spares
- Hard and Soft Cases - Protect your equipment in rugged deployments or mobile setups
- Top Mount Options - Customize payload orientation for specialized inspection angles
Dronefly is your trusted partner for deploying ACSL SOTEN drone systems and accessories. Our team supports regulated industries and public agencies with expert advice, fast fulfillment, and deep operational knowledge. From controller pairing to payload planning, we help you get in the air and stay ahead of the mission.
Get your ACSL SOTEN drones and accessories from Dronefly-because secure flight starts with the right gear.
Field Performance & Operational Insights
When field crews talk about “mission-ready” drones, they usually mean one that keeps flying after the weather turns or a schedule slips. The ACSL SOTEN series earns that description by design. Japanese-built to exacting industrial standards, it’s built to operate in demanding, real-world environments—where dust, cross-winds, and time pressure are constants, not exceptions.
Designed for the Field, Not the Lab
SOTEN airframes carry an IP43 protection rating, balancing durability with efficiency. The carbon-composite body resists torsion during sharp turns and maintains smooth airflow around the arms—small details that translate into steadier footage and longer component life. Operators flying inspections or tactical overwatch missions will notice steadier hover behavior even under gusts or when shifting payload weight.
ACSL SOTEN Performance at a Glance
| Spec / Feature | Operational Impact |
|---|---|
| IP43 Ingress Protection | Shields electronics from light rain and airborne dust, allowing missions in unstable weather. |
| Carbon-Composite Airframe | Adds rigidity without weight penalty, improving stability in wind. |
| Hover Precision ±10 cm | Essential for surveying, mapping, and forensic scene documentation. |
| Hot-Swappable Batteries | Enables continuous operations—replace power mid-mission without full shutdown. |
| GNSS + LTE Redundancy | Maintains positional accuracy in interference-prone urban zones. |
Real-World Resilience
Field tests show SOTEN drones maintaining hover lock within 10 cm while carrying heavier payloads or flying near metal structures—conditions that usually throw off lesser GPS-only systems. That reliability means fewer aborted flights and less data loss.
For public-safety departments, that can mean uninterrupted overwatch during tactical operations; for utilities, it means consistent thermal readings across long corridors. Every minute saved from re-flights is an operational gain.
Modularity: The Hidden Efficiency
The modular payload bay isn’t just convenient—it’s a cost-control strategy. One aircraft can serve several departments:
- Morning: Standard camera for visual line inspection.
- Afternoon: Thermal payload for hotspot detection.
- Evening: Multispectral module for environmental assessment.
Swapping payloads takes under five minutes, requiring no re-calibration thanks to a quick-lock gimbal design. That modularity translates to fewer aircraft purchases, lower maintenance budgets, and simplified pilot certification since teams train on one flight platform.
Control & Stability: Engineering Precision
Japanese engineers tuned the flight controller to prioritize micro-corrections over large pitch changes. The result is a steady, camera-friendly platform even in stop-and-go operations such as:
- Vertical tower inspections, where position drift can skew thermal readings.
- Accident-scene mapping, requiring static capture from multiple angles.
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Bridge surveys, where vibration and GPS bounce typically degrade accuracy.
Paired with the TATEN Smart Controller, pilots receive real-time telemetry and redundancy across LTE and radio, ensuring command integrity in low-signal areas.
Environmental Endurance
SOTEN’s components are rated for a wide operating temperature range (-10 °C to +40 °C). Cooling channels along the power board dissipate heat without additional fans—reducing moving-part failure points. Anti-corrosive coatings protect connectors from salt or industrial moisture, making the drone equally at home over coastal infrastructure or inland substations.
Tip for operators: Always allow five minutes of hover stabilization during extreme temperature transitions to equalize sensor calibration—small adjustments that can prevent data drift during thermal or multispectral capture.
Field Efficiency Benchmarks
| Metric | SOTEN Performance | Typical Enterprise Drone |
|---|---|---|
| Payload-Swap Time | < 5 minutes | 15–25 minutes |
| Hover Drift | ±10 cm | ±25 cm |
| Average Wind Resistance | 10 m/s sustained | 7 m/s |
| Operating Temp. Range | -10 °C to +40 °C | 0 °C to +35 °C |
| Controller Link Stability | Dual-band + LTE failover | Single-band only |
Operational Insights for Different Teams
- Public Safety: Stable hover and encrypted control links make it ideal for overwatch and evidence capture in populated zones.
- Utilities & Energy: LTE redundancy prevents dropouts during line-of-sight breaks behind terrain or structures.
- Engineering & Survey: The combination of precise positioning and modular payloads supports consistent ground-sample distance in photogrammetry missions.
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Environmental Agencies: Durable materials withstand repeated coastal or agricultural exposure without corrosion.
Maintenance Notes
To maintain optimal field reliability:
- Inspect propeller edges for micro-chips after high-wind missions.
- Store batteries at 40–60 % charge if idle for more than a week.
- Calibrate IMU and compass after any payload exceeding standard weight.
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Keep gimbal quick-lock contacts clean; debris can affect module detection.
Key Takeaway
SOTEN’s design philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: maximize uptime, minimize intervention.
From its IP-rated shell to its sub-10 cm hover tolerance, every element supports consistent, field-proven reliability. It’s not built for showrooms—it’s built for crews who measure success by missions completed, not flights attempted.
Compliance & Procurement Readiness
Buying a drone isn’t just about specs—it’s about compliance. For public-sector and enterprise buyers, where a system is built often matters as much as what it can do. The ACSL SOTEN line is designed from the ground up to clear procurement hurdles that commonly delay or disqualify other UAVs.
Why Compliance Matters
Federal and state agencies are increasingly enforcing sourcing rules tied to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These regulations restrict equipment containing certain Chinese-made components or software due to data-security concerns.
For departments handling infrastructure, policing, or environmental contracts, compliance determines funding eligibility and mission approval.
Key advantages of an NDAA-compliant platform:
- Faster procurement cycles: No need for waiver requests or exception reviews.
- Reduced cybersecurity risk: All electronics and firmware pass domestic or allied-nation scrutiny.
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Audit-ready documentation: Streamlined reporting during grant or RFP processes.
Made in Japan: A Trusted Origin
ACSL’s manufacturing and software development are entirely based in Japan, a U.S.-allied country recognized for stringent export-control standards (including ITAR and TAA parity).
Every airframe, controller, and payload undergoes serialized tracking—an approach that satisfies U.S. federal traceability requirements and eases chain-of-custody documentation for sensitive missions.
Production Highlights
- Controlled supply chain under Japanese export-control law.
- No restricted hardware, chips, or cloud services.
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Firmware signing and verification at every update stage.
Compliance Snapshot
| Standard / Requirement | ACSL SOTEN Status | Procurement Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| NDAA Section 848 | Fully compliant | Eligible for federal and municipal programs |
| Trade Agreements Act (TAA) | Country of origin: Japan | Meets GSA Schedule sourcing rules |
| ITAR Awareness | Components non-restricted | Simplifies export and inter-agency transfer |
| Cybersecurity Readiness | AES-256 encrypted links | Approved for secure data environments |
| Unique Device Identification (UDI) | Serialized airframes & payloads | Simplifies asset tracking and audits |
Procurement Use Case: Public-Works Agency
A county public-works department replacing aging DJI drones selected the SOTEN Inspection Package after its legal team verified NDAA alignment.
Result:
- Bid approval in 17 days, compared with 60 days for previous non-compliant units.
- Eligible for federal infrastructure-modernization funds under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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Simplified IT integration using on-premise storage—no external cloud dependencies.
Documentation & Support
Dronefly’s procurement specialists provide turnkey documentation packets that accompany every ACSL purchase, including:
- Certificate of Origin (Japan)
- NDAA/TAA compliance statement
- Serialized inventory list for controllers and payloads
- Manufacturer’s encryption white paper
These resources allow contracting officers to validate compliance before purchase orders are finalized, avoiding costly review delays.
Grant and Contract Eligibility
ACSL SOTEN systems qualify under many U.S. funding programs that explicitly require NDAA-approved or allied-manufactured equipment, such as:
- Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
- Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG)
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) projects
- State DOT aerial inspection initiatives
Because SOTEN meets both sourcing and security requirements, agencies can allocate funds without additional justification letters.
For Private Sector Buyers
Even outside government work, compliance delivers measurable value:
- Enterprise data protection: Ensures no third-party data relay or unknown firmware channels.
- Client assurance: Engineering firms and utilities can prove secure data handling to partners.
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Resale value: NDAA-compliant drones maintain demand as regulations tighten.
Comparison Matrix: Compliance Positioning
| Brand | Country of Origin | NDAA Compliant | Cloud Dependency | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACSL SOTEN | Japan | ✅ Yes | Optional / Local | Gov & Enterprise Ops |
| DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise | China | ❌ No | Required | Commercial Prosumer |
| Autel EVO Max 4T | USA/China Hybrid | ✅ Partial | Optional | Public Safety |
| Inspired Flight IF800 Blue | USA | ✅ Yes | None | Federal Programs |
Data Security & Communication Architecture
Modern missions generate more than imagery—they produce sensitive operational data that must remain protected. The ACSL SOTEN and its TAITEN Smart Controller were designed with secure, local-first architecture so agencies and enterprises can maintain data custody from take-off to storage.
Secure Link & Local Control
- Encryption Standard: AES-256 applied to all command and video links between aircraft and controller.
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz / 5.7 GHz selectable to adapt to RF conditions.
- LTE Option: Built-in module enables long-range streaming and telemetry over private or public LTE networks when required.
Local-only Operation: Users can disable LTE or Wi-Fi to keep missions fully offline—ideal for restricted environments such as public-safety operations or defense facilities.
(Source: ACSL SOTEN & TAITEN Smart Controller Spec Sheets, 2025)
| Connection Mode | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard RF (2.4/5.7 GHz) | Encrypted direct link up to 4 km line of sight | Routine inspection and mapping |
| LTE Network | Encrypted long-range control and video | BVLOS trials, remote monitoring |
| Offline (Local Only) | No network access, on-device recording | Evidence capture, secure sites |
Data Handling & Storage
- On-Board Recording: Images and flight logs are written directly to removable microSD cards.
- Encryption Control: The pilot can enable or disable AES-256 recording per mission.
- No Automatic Cloud Sync: Files remain local unless manually exported—ensuring compliance with U.S. data-sovereignty and agency retention rules.
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Mission Logs: Each flight record includes aircraft ID, controller ID, and UTC timestamps for traceability during audits or investigations.
Network Configuration Flexibility
| Feature | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Antenna Design | Maintains stable link even when one channel degrades | Reliable command continuity |
| LTE Fallback | Switches from RF to cellular if range or line of sight is lost | Expands operational envelope |
| Access Control Settings | User-level permissions for pilots vs. administrators | Prevents unauthorized parameter changes |
| Log Export Options | CSV or encrypted binary formats | Simplifies integration with internal servers |
Cyber-Resilient Firmware
ACSL signs and verifies firmware at each update stage to prevent tampering. Firmware packages can be sideloaded via microSD card—useful for fleets that operate on air-gapped systems. Administrators can maintain separate firmware trees for testing and production, reducing cross-contamination risk between agencies.
Operational Guidelines for Secure Missions
- Pre-Flight: Confirm “Local Mode” is enabled if operating in evidence-sensitive areas.
- In-Flight: Avoid connecting external devices to the controller while recording encrypted data.
- Post-Flight: Transfer logs to approved storage before re-enabling network functions.
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Audit: Retain signed firmware and flight logs for at least 90 days (or per internal policy).
Quick Reference Summary
| Security Layer | Specification | Practical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Link Encryption | AES-256 | Prevents data interception |
| Firmware Integrity | Digital signature verification | Blocks unauthorized updates |
| Data Storage | Local microSD, pilot-controlled encryption | Ensures user custody |
| Network Options | RF, LTE, Offline | Adapts to mission policy |
| Controller Ingress Rating | IP54 (ACSL TAITEN) | Resists dust and splash during field use |
Advanced Payload Applications
The ACSL SOTEN’s modular payload system is what makes it truly practical for multi-department fleets.
Rather than locking operators into a fixed sensor, SOTEN supports several factory-certified camera modules that can be swapped in minutes—no recalibration or re-pairing required.
Each module is tailored for a different data-collection discipline, allowing one aircraft to handle visual inspection, thermal diagnostics, or vegetation analysis on the same day.
Available Payload Options
| Payload Name | Sensor Type | Resolution / Bands | Primary Function | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | CMOS RGB | 20 MP, mechanical shutter | High-resolution stills and 4K video | Mapping, construction monitoring, documentation |
| Zoom Camera | RGB zoom lens | 20 MP, up to 25× optical zoom | Long-range detail capture | Utility-pole, bridge, or tower inspections |
| Thermal Camera | Radiometric LWIR | 640 × 512 px | Temperature measurement and heat mapping | Fire response, electrical diagnostics |
| Multispectral Camera | RGB + NIR bands | 5 channels | Vegetation and soil-index analysis | Precision agriculture, environmental research |
| High-Resolution Dual Camera | RGB + Thermal fusion | 20 MP + 640×512 px | Combined visual + thermal perspective | Building-energy audits, forensic analysis |
Why Modularity Matters
- Rapid field change-outs: Each camera attaches via a mechanical quick-lock and data-pin interface.
- Cross-team efficiency: The same aircraft can serve inspection, safety, and environmental departments.
- Simplified inventory: Fewer airframes to maintain or certify under internal fleet programs.
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Cost control: Expanding capabilities requires only new sensors, not new aircraft.
Payload Highlights
1. Standard & Zoom Cameras
- Capture crisp 20 MP imagery with low-distortion optics for mapping accuracy.
- The zoom version adds up to 25× optical magnification, enabling safe standoff during tower or flare-stack inspections.
- Both support mechanical shutters, reducing rolling-shutter distortion on moving subjects.
2. Thermal Camera
- Radiometric output enables actual temperature readings, not just visual gradients.
- Adjustable color palettes and temperature ranges simplify reporting for maintenance or emergency response.
- Supports side-by-side display of thermal and visible feeds through the TAITEN controller.
3. Multispectral Camera
- Records five discrete bands including near-infrared (NIR) for vegetation-index computation (NDVI, NDRE).
- Each capture embeds geotags compatible with Pix4Dfields, QGIS, and other agronomic-analysis tools.
- Farmers and researchers can track stress patterns, irrigation variance, or crop vigor over time.
4. Dual RGB + Thermal Payload
- Combines 20 MP visible imaging with 640×512 thermal overlay for true color-temperature fusion.
- Ideal for building-envelope audits, fire investigation, and energy-efficiency inspection.
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Simplifies correlation between thermal anomalies and physical structures in one dataset.
Payload Integration Features
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Plug-and-play gimbal mount | Quick sensor swap with automatic recognition |
| Gimbal stabilization: ±0.02° | Smooth imagery even in gusty conditions |
| Payload ID registration | Maintains asset tracking for compliance logs |
| AES-encrypted image channel | Keeps live-feed data protected during transmission |
| Optional on-screen dual-view | Enables picture-in-picture of thermal and RGB feeds |
The Bottom Line: Secure. Modular. Mission-Ready.
The ACSL SOTEN isn’t just another enterprise quadcopter. It’s a shift in how professional teams approach aerial operations. Built in Japan to meet strict NDAA-compliance standards, it combines reliable hardware, open-format data workflows, and field-swappable payloads in one compact platform.
Why it Matters
- Data stays under your control: AES-256 encryption, local storage, and offline-ready firmware protect sensitive imagery from unauthorized access.
- Multiple missions, one aircraft: Visual, thermal, and multispectral payloads swap in minutes—no recalibration required.
- Fits your workflow: Works with Pix4D, AirData UAV, QGIS, FlytBase, and other open tools you already use.
- Procurement-ready: Made in Japan and NDAA-compliant, simplifying acquisition for government and enterprise programs.
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Field-tested reliability: IP43 protection, sub-meter hover precision, and LTE redundancy ensure stable operation in real-world conditions.
Ready to Build Your Secure Drone Fleet?
The ACSL SOTEN represents the next generation of field-proven, NDAA-compliant enterprise drones.
To explore package options, compatible payloads, or software integration support, contact Dronefly’s enterprise specialists:
Phone: (805) 480-4033 | Email: sales@dronefly.com
