The third issue of IFT Quarterly Magazine captures how American-made drone technology is powering field operations and research around the world. From utility line installation to flood mitigation and marine conservation, this issue highlights the ingenuity and collaboration driving Inspired Flight customers and partners forward.
Utility Line Installation: How the IF1200 Streamlines Rope Pull Operations
Quanta Aviation Services integrated the IF1200 into a live railyard transmission project, demonstrating how drone-assisted rope pulls improve efficiency and safety across restricted terrain. The heavy-lift platform delivered precision drops over 800-foot spans, proving itself as a core tool for complex utility installations.
Flood Mitigation with Cal Poly’s IF1200 LiDAR Mission
A student-led research team from Cal Poly’s Geospatial Systems Lab used the IF1200 equipped with YellowScan LiDAR to map a critical stretch of San Luis Obispo Creek. Their work is helping the city model flood risks, manage vegetation, and plan infrastructure improvements in response to more frequent atmospheric river events.
Tangalooma Wrecks: A Drone’s Eye View of Marine Conservation
This story follows the IF800 and Sony ILX-LR1 capturing 61MP imagery of the iconic shipwrecks off Moreton Island, Australia. The mission illustrates how drones contribute to environmental education and marine ecosystem monitoring while minimizing impact on sensitive habitats.
Spotlight: Adam Bilmes
Co-founder and Head of Business Development, Adam shares insights into Inspired Flight’s growth, the role of partnerships in scaling the U.S. drone industry, and what it takes to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving market.
Executive Orders Set the Stage for U.S. Drone Manufacturing
A breakdown of recent federal actions supporting American-made systems. The article outlines how new policy momentum around BVLOS and procurement reform is shaping the future of domestic drone manufacturing — and how IFT is ready to lead.
Read the complete digital edition below.
Each issue of IFT Quarterly explores real-world missions, engineering perspectives, and policy developments shaping the drone industry. It’s where innovation meets purpose, spotlighting the teams and technology advancing American-built UAV solutions.
If your organization is using Inspired Flight platforms for a project or research initiative, we’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue.
Email us at marketing@inspiredflight.com to share your story or nominate a mission for 2026.