DSLRPros Expands Portfolio with DarkHive Tactical Systems

DSLRPros now offers DarkHive products, giving defense, law enforcement, and public safety agencies access to American-made drones and training solutions designed for tactical use. As U.S. agencies reduce reliance on foreign-manufactured platforms, the need for secure, rapidly deployable, and cost-effective systems has become a priority.

Founded in Texas in 2021, DarkHive develops small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) optimized for Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C). The company designs systems to integrate directly with the Team Awareness Kit (TAK), ensuring they are simple to adopt across units already working within TAK-enabled networks.

DarkHive Products Available Through DSLRPros

Agencies can now source the following DarkHive systems directly from DSLRPros:

• YellowJacket CQB and Tactical sUAS Bundle (YJ-01-100)
• Samsung G23 Tactical Edition (GCS Ready)
• LiPo Battery Bundle (4x Batteries)
• Raster Flight Simulator (Annual License)
• New User Training – On Location (YJ and QBK)

This lineup provides a complete ecosystem: the drone itself, secure control hardware, extended power support, training software, and hands-on instruction for rapid adoption.

DarkHive YellowJacket CQB and Tactical sUAS Bundle

The YellowJacket MK1 is DarkHive’s flagship tactical quadcopter, built for rapid deployment and close-quarters reconnaissance. At only 400 grams all-up weight and small enough to fit in a pouch, it can be hand-tossed into the air and ready to fly in less than three seconds. This makes it an ideal choice for units that need fast situational awareness without carrying bulky equipment.

The bundle offered through DSLRPros includes two batteries, two spare propellers, two spare prop guards, and a protective case—giving teams everything they need to operate and maintain the drone in the field.

Key specifications:

• Size: 8 × 8 × 1 inches
• Weight: 265 g dry, 400 g all-up
• Endurance: 15 minutes per flight
• Sensors: 4K high-resolution camera + 160 × 120 thermal imager
• Navigation: Multi-constellation GNSS, barometer, compass, and vision fusion
• Machine vision: Object detection and GPU-accelerated odometry
• Communications: 2.4 GHz 802.11 with WPA2/3 encryption
• Power: USB-C rechargeable modular batteries

Tactical advantages:

• Ultra-fast toss-to-deploy launch
• Dual-sensor package for day and night missions
• Secure communications resistant to common vulnerabilities
• Works in GNSS-denied or indoor environments
• Compatible with ATAK UAS Tool and MAVLINK GCS

Applications range from military patrols and urban surveillance to search and rescue missions requiring thermal detection. Positioned between hobbyist drones and expensive micro-UAS platforms, YellowJacket provides a cost-effective option for agencies that need scalable tactical ISR capability.

For teams comparing options, the YellowJacket’s appeal comes down to its balance of portability, security, and capability. The table below highlights its key specifications in a quick-glance format, making it easy to see how it fits into tactical and public safety workflows.

YellowJacket MK1 Specifications at a Glance

Feature	YellowJacket MK1 Details
Size / Weight	8 × 8 × 1 in / 400 g AUW
Endurance	15 minutes
Sensors	4K + 160 × 120 thermal
Deployment	Toss-to-launch (<3 sec)
Navigation	GNSS + vision fusion
Communications	2.4 GHz WPA2/3 secured

Samsung G23 Tactical Edition (GCS Ready)

To operate the YellowJacket effectively, agencies need a ground control station that is secure, reliable, and field-tested. The Samsung G23 Tactical Edition is configured specifically for this role. Preloaded and optimized for Broodbox and ATAK, it gives operators a dedicated device for flight control and mission management.

Key features:

• Ruggedized mobile device for reliable field use
• Pre-configured for Broodbox and ATAK UAS Tool
• Secure connectivity and compatibility with YellowJacket systems
• Portable design for one-handed operation during missions

Tactical advantages:

• Eliminates the need for consumer-grade devices that may not meet operational standards
• Provides a consistent platform across units, ensuring every operator works with the same setup
• Enhances readiness by allowing plug-and-play use out of the box
• Designed for public safety and tactical environments where durability and reliability matter

DarkHive LiPo Battery Bundle (4x Batteries)

Sustained operations depend on keeping aircraft in the air, not waiting for batteries to recharge. The DarkHive LiPo Battery Bundle provides four modular, rechargeable packs designed for the YellowJacket. With USB-C charging and hot-swap capability, these batteries extend mission time and reduce downtime between sorties.

Key features:

• Four modular LiPo batteries per bundle
• USB-C charging for convenience and compatibility
• Field-swap design to minimize mission interruptions
• Compact size for easy carry in tactical kits

Operational value:

• Extends mission endurance by enabling multiple consecutive flights
• Reduces the need for additional charging equipment in the field
• Ensures agencies can sustain training sessions or live operations without delay

DarkHive Raster Flight Simulator and Training Tool (Annual License)

Training new operators can be costly and time-consuming if every lesson requires live flights. DarkHive developed Raster to solve this challenge by offering a TAK-integrated simulation tool. Instead of draining batteries or risking equipment, operators can practice piloting and mission execution in a realistic, software-based environment.

Raster connects directly with the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) UAS Tool plugin, so the skills learned in simulation translate directly to field operations. With an annual license model, agencies can provide ongoing training without interruption, ensuring their teams stay current and prepared.

Key features:

• TAK UAS Tool integration for seamless operator transition
• Realistic ISR and reconnaissance mission scenarios
• Repeatable training without equipment wear
• Annual license for continuous use and updates

Benefits:

• Reduces cost of operator training
• Standardizes proficiency across teams and units
• Allows mission rehearsal for urban, indoor, or GNSS-denied conditions
• Provides instructors with scalable, repeatable training environments

Raster bridges the gap between classroom instruction and live operations. Paired with the YellowJacket bundle, it creates a training pipeline where operators can practice virtually, deploy in the field, and refine skills without unnecessary hardware risk.

DarkHive New User Training – On Location (YJ and QBK)

Adopting new drone systems can be a challenge without proper instruction. DarkHive’s New User Training is designed to accelerate that process by providing on-location training for the YellowJacket and Broodbox kits (YJ and QBK). Delivered by experienced trainers, this program ensures operators quickly move from unboxing to operational readiness.

Key training elements:

• System setup and configuration: Walkthrough of YellowJacket and Broodbox components, connectivity, and best practices for field prep
• Basic flight operations: Safe takeoff, flight maneuvers, and landing procedures under instructor supervision
• Mission workflows: How to plan and execute reconnaissance and surveillance tasks using TAK integration
• Maintenance and troubleshooting: Battery management, component checks, and resolving common issues in the field
• Program integration: Guidance on incorporating YellowJacket into existing agency workflows or training pipelines

Benefits for agencies:

• Reduces the time required for operators to become proficient
• Improves safety by instilling best practices from the start
• Provides standardized instruction that can be scaled across teams
• Ensures agencies maximize their investment in hardware and accessories
  

On-location instruction provides the missing step between classroom theory and real-world missions. Teams gain confidence through hands-on practice with their own equipment, supported by trainers who ensure skills are transferable to operational scenarios. 

Combined with Raster’s simulation environment, this creates a full training pipeline from virtual practice to live deployment.

The Growing Need for Tactical Drones

The demand for tactical drones has surged in recent years as agencies seek faster, safer, and more adaptable ways to gather intelligence. Unlike large enterprise drones used for mapping or inspection, tactical drones are built for close-quarters, time-sensitive missions where seconds matter.

Current trends driving adoption:

• Shift away from foreign platforms: U.S. military and law enforcement agencies are under pressure to field secure, American-made drones that reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.
• Urban and confined environments: Modern operations often take place in cities or GNSS-denied areas where larger aircraft cannot safely maneuver. Compact platforms like military micro drones excel in these situations.
• ISR at scale: Affordable tactical drones allow units to deploy multiple aircraft simultaneously, giving them broader situational awareness without the cost of larger platforms.
• Public safety integration: Tactical drones for law enforcement and first responders are increasingly used for thermal detection, surveillance, and rapid overwatch in disaster response or high-risk scenarios.

For defense, law enforcement, and public safety agencies, the relevance of tactical drones lies in their ability to deliver ISR capabilities at the squad and unit level, turning intelligence gathering into a tool that is immediate, repeatable, and accessible. DarkHive’s YellowJacket series reflects this shift, bringing the benefits of tactical drones into a compact, cost-effective package designed for today’s operational challenges.

The DSLRPros Advantage

Procuring tactical drone systems isn’t just about hardware. It’s about having a trusted partner that understands the operational environment. DSLRPros has years of experience equipping defense, law enforcement, and public safety agencies with drones, payloads, and training solutions tailored to mission requirements. By offering the DarkHive lineup, DSLRPros provides not only secure, U.S.-made hardware but also the accessories, training, and support needed to build sustainable drone programs.

DarkHive Product Lineup Available Now

DSLRPros now carries the full DarkHive ecosystem, available for immediate consultation and ordering:

• YellowJacket CQB and Tactical sUAS Bundle (YJ-01-100): Includes two batteries, two spare propellers, two spare prop guards, and a protective case
• Samsung G23 Tactical Edition (GCS Ready): Ruggedized mobile device configured for Broodbox and ATAK
• LiPo Battery Bundle (4x Batteries): Modular rechargeable packs with USB-C charging for extended operations
• Raster Flight Simulator (Annual License): TAK-integrated software for training and mission rehearsal
• New User Training – On Location (YJ and QBK): Hands-on field training for rapid adoption and operational readiness
  
  

How to Get Started with DarkHive at DSLRPros

Lead times and discount tiers vary depending on agency needs and procurement volume. DSLRPros provides demonstrations, bundle consultations, and full program guidance for agencies interested in deploying DarkHive systems. For more information about reseller opportunities and discount schedules, call DSLRPros directly to discuss available options.