Dragoon selects Teledyne FLIR OEM Prism software for long-range unmanned platform prototyping

Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced Dragoon is using the Prism Supervisor and Prism SKR software for its AI-driven object detection, tracking, real-time autonomy flight control, and mission planning capabilities within its long-range unmanned platform prototypes under Project Artemis, a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative.

Project Artemis is a program designed to evaluate and deploy long-range loitering munitions capable of operating in highly contested electromagnetic environments and in large numbers. Dragoon is one of four organizations within Project Artemis tasked to demonstrate low-cost, adaptable, long-range, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms with the potential to maximize operational flexibility.

"The integration of Dragoon’s Cinder unmanned aircraft—our low-cost, long-range platform—and Teledyne FLIR’s OEM Prism software unlocks new, highly autonomous mission capabilities in complex environments," says Jason Douglas, co-founder of Dragoon Technology. "By combining our platform and payload with Teledyne FLIR’s autonomy, we offer an ideal solution for the DIU Artemis project."

Prism SKR is a best-in-class automatic target recognition (ATR) software providing a drop-in solution for the FLIR Boson thermal camera module that optimally addresses the seeker requirements for the Dragoon UAS platform. It operates efficiently at the edge on low-power embedded processors and is compatible with both infrared (IR) and visible camera data. Prism SKR provides real-time target position, identification, direction of motion, and aim-point localization, guiding the platform’s autonomous flight system for various operations.

Prism Supervisor further enhances mission readiness by providing end-to-end autonomy and mission oversight. It seamlessly integrates with Dragoon’s onboard autopilot system to support real time decision-making capabilities and an intuitive mission-planning interface. The advanced autonomy in Prism Supervisor closes the loop between the on-board navigation subsystem and real-time AI-based observations to enhance UAS operational capabilities while reducing operator intervention and workload.

“Dragoon selecting Prism software for its Project Artemis work underscores our ability to deliver mission-critical capabilities for national defense,” says Jared Faraudo, vice president of product management and programs, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “Prism SKR and Supervisor are purpose-built to enable Dragoon’s unmanned systems to perform in demanding battlefield environments, ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.”