Paladin

What is Paladin?

Paladin is a Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) platform for public safety agencies. It combines drones, flight-control software, and data management to help departments assess emergency scenes before ground responders arrive. The system connects with dispatch workflows and transmits live aerial information to command staff and responding units.

Paladin supplies equipment and helps departments obtain FAA waivers for their operations. Its product range includes Watchtower, Paladin EXT for LTE connectivity, and Knighthawk 2.0, a U.S.-made emergency-response drone. Deployment still requires trained pilot oversight and operation under applicable FAA permissions.

What can Paladin do?

Automated incident deployment

Drones launch from a department dock when an incident is reported and follow a GPS-planned route to the scene, with trained pilot oversight.

Live aerial and thermal views

During a mission, drones transmit live data to command and responding units. Aerial and thermal views help teams assess conditions at the incident location.

Centralized drone control

Watchtower provides a single platform for managing multiple drones, allowing operators to coordinate flights through a shared control system.

LTE connectivity

Paladin EXT provides cellular connectivity for drone operations. Paladin lists a flight range of 3–5 miles on a single charge for its LTE-enabled system.

Autonomous return and charging

After a mission, the operator triggers a return command. The drone flies back to its dock autonomously and recharges for the next deployment.

Use Cases

“Police call assessment”

Dispatch and officers can assess a reported incident before committing ground resources. Paladin describes deployments where some 911 calls are resolved without officer dispatch.

“Fire and EMS response”

Fire departments can obtain an overhead view of an emergency while crews travel to the scene, helping teams plan their approach and coordinate the response.

“Search and recovery operations”

Teams can use aerial and thermal views to inspect search areas. Murrells Inlet Fire Department uses Paladin for search and recovery missions alongside fire and EMS incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can an agency evaluate Paladin and obtain a quote?

Paladin offers a 60-minute virtual demo covering city and airspace mapping, a remote drone-control and live-video demonstration, DFR program questions, FAA requirements, and a customized agency quote.

Can the drones operate without a pilot?

Drones can launch autonomously and follow a planned route, but Paladin says a trained pilot must observe the drone. Operations must follow the specific FAA waivers and rules applicable to the program.

Does Paladin include facial recognition or license plate reading?

Paladin states that it does not offer facial recognition or plate-reading technology.

Who determines recording and footage-retention policies?

The implementing agency determines how drones fly and what they record. Paladin recommends written policies covering deployment criteria, data ownership, access, retention, and oversight.

Quick Facts