Secure Drones for Every Mission
The ACSL SOTEN is a security-centric, modular drone built in Japan for professional mapping, inspection, and tactical operations. Designed for teams that prioritize data integrity, encrypted links, and flexible payloads, it offers enterprise-grade reliability in a compact airframe.
Key Advantages:
- Secure architecture: AES-256 encrypted telemetry and onboard storage.
- Modular payloads: Swappable RGB, thermal, zoom, and multispectral cameras.
- NDAA readiness: Built to meet U.S. procurement and compliance standards.
- Scalable connectivity: Dual-band control with optional LTE support.
- Proven reliability: Japanese engineering and long-term parts availability.
Why ACSL SOTEN Is Different
The ACSL SOTEN is built on a foundation of Japanese engineering precision and security-first design. Developed by Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory (ACSL), Japan’s leading industrial drone manufacturer, SOTEN reflects the country’s focus on reliability, encryption integrity, and supply chain transparency.
Each system is produced under strict domestic quality control, using traceable components and AES-256 encrypted communication with ISO-grade data handling. This ensures that every flight log, image, and payload stream remains protected from unauthorized access—critical for agencies managing sensitive or regulated operations.
Unlike generic imports, SOTEN benefits from predictable part sourcing, controlled firmware delivery, and long-term serviceability through ACSL’s U.S. entity. That means stable support, documented compliance, and clear upgrade pathways for years to come.
At DSLRPros, we provide full integration support for the SOTEN series—covering firmware coordination, payload validation, and U.S.-based service. This makes DSLRPros one of the few authorized partners offering end-to-end deployment and compliance assurance for SOTEN in the American market.
Models and Core Specifications
The ACSL SOTEN platform uses a unified airframe designed to adapt across multiple professional missions. Whether it’s detailed inspection, precision mapping, or multispectral agriculture analysis, each configuration shares the same secure foundation—lightweight construction, encrypted telemetry, and modular payload design.
Core Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unfolded Dimensions | 637 × 560 mm (with propellers) |
| Folded Dimensions | 162 × 363 mm |
| Weight (with payload) | 1.72 kg |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 2.0 kg |
| Flight Time | 25 min (standard load) / ~29 min (no payload) |
| Max Airspeed | 15 m/s |
| GNSS Support | GPS + QZSS + SBAS |
| Protection Rating | IP43 |
| Encryption | AES-256 telemetry and media |
| Remote ID | Built-in Bluetooth |
| Control Link | Proprietary 2.4 GHz, optional LTE |
| Controller | Available with TENSO Smart Controller (IP43, encrypted LTE, 5” HD display) |
DSLRPros Packages
Each DSLRPros SOTEN bundle is built for a specific operational need. All include setup support, warranty handling, and verified ACSL components for U.S. deployment.
- Inspection Package – Standard EO payload and Smart Controller, ideal for powerline, bridge, and telecom inspections.
- Thermal Package – Dual thermal-visible SAMO payload for search and rescue, fire inspection, and industrial maintenance.
- Survey Package – Tuned for mapping and photogrammetry, with multispectral or standard EO sensors and RTK compatibility.
- Agriculture Package – Multispectral payload for NDVI analysis, crop health monitoring, and vegetation management.
- Mission Package – Balanced configuration for teams needing one drone for multiple applications.
Which Package Fits Your Mission
| Mission Type | Recommended Package | Core Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mapping & Survey | Survey Package | RTK-ready, precise GSD, multispectral flexibility |
| Inspection | Inspection / Thermal | Zoom and thermal capture for vertical assets |
| Agriculture | Agriculture Package | Multispectral NDVI for crop analysis |
| General Enterprise | Mission Package | Versatile all-rounder for mixed workloads |
Need help choosing?
Request a custom loadout quote from DSLRPros to align your payload, compliance, and mission workflow.
Payload Options and Sensor Compatibility
The ACSL SOTEN platform features a secure, hot-swappable payload bay, letting operators transition between RGB, thermal, zoom, and multispectral sensors without rebooting. This flexibility allows one drone to perform multiple missions—from structural inspection to agricultural analysis—using the same encrypted, NDAA-ready architecture.
Payload Matrix
| Payload | Primary Function | Ideal Use Cases | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard EO Camera | RGB imaging and documentation | Site inspections, visual records, construction progress | Default payload in most DSLRPros bundles; crisp color output for orthomosaics and reporting. |
| Optical Zoom EO Camera | Detailed imaging from a safe distance | Bridges, telecom towers, rooftops, power lines | Provides clear data at long standoff ranges; ideal for regulated inspection work. |
| High-Resolution Thermal Camera | Detects temperature anomalies | Solar farms, substations, industrial systems, and SAR | Radiometric thermal imaging; integrates with secure flight logs and AirData export. |
| Multispectral Camera | Captures vegetation and crop data | Agriculture, land management, and environmental monitoring | NDVI/NDRE index generation; compatible with Pix4Dfields and DJI Terra pipelines. |
Mounts and Controllers
SOTEN supports both bottom- and top-mount payloads, allowing for upward or downward inspections—a major advantage for bridge and tower operations.
Operators can use either the TAITEN Smart Controller or Standard Controller depending on mission needs. The TAITEN model includes encrypted LTE connectivity, a 5-inch sunlight-readable screen, and custom payload control shortcuts, giving pilots a secure, all-in-one command interface.
Best Payload per Mission Type
| Mission Type | Recommended Payloads | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Inspection | Zoom + Thermal | Captures detail safely; ideal for utilities, bridges, and telecom audits. |
| Mapping & Survey | EO + Multispectral | High-accuracy orthomosaics and vegetation overlays. |
| Public Safety / SAR | Thermal + Zoom | Rapid detection of heat or motion targets in emergency zones. |
| Agriculture | Multispectral + EO | Crop health tracking, yield estimation, and field management. |
DSLRPros Payload-Validated Bundles
Every DSLRPros SOTEN package—including the Thermal, Survey, Agriculture, Inspection, and Mission—is payload-tested and software-aligned for compatibility with AirData, Pix4D, and FlytBase ecosystems.
Each kit ensures a complete, audit-ready workflow—from sensor calibration to secure data export.
Compliance, Security, and Operational Readiness
The ACSL SOTEN is engineered for secure operations where compliance and data integrity are mandatory. Its architecture aligns with NDAA sourcing standards, built in Japan with traceable components and encrypted firmware.
NDAA and Blue UAS Alignment
SOTEN’s manufacturing and software control meet U.S. procurement requirements. It uses non-PRC parts, verified encryption modules, and transparent supply chains. This makes it a fit for agencies and contractors seeking NDAA-ready or Blue UAS-eligible systems.
Remote ID and Encrypted Telemetry
The drone integrates Bluetooth-based Remote ID that complies with FAA rules. Control and telemetry links are secured using AES-256 encryption, while optional payload data encryption protects captured imagery at rest. These features keep mission data isolated from cloud exposure unless explicitly enabled.
BVLOS Readiness and Mission Assurance
SOTEN supports dual-link command architecture and LTE fallback, offering a path toward BVLOS operations under FAA Part 108 once approved. Audit logs and signed firmware builds ensure flight traceability and version control across deployments.
Compliance Snapshot
| Compliance Feature | ACSL SOTEN | Typical Competitor | Risk if Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDAA / Blue UAS Ready | Japan-built, U.S.-supported | Varies by model | Procurement exclusion |
| Remote ID | Built-in Bluetooth broadcast | Add-on module | FAA violation |
| Telemetry Encryption | AES-256 end-to-end | Basic or partial | Data interception |
| LTE / Dual Link Backup | Supported via controller | Single radio | BVLOS instability |
| Firmware Integrity | Signed and archived | Unsigned OTA | Security breach |
SOTEN’s secure communications, transparent sourcing, and logged mission data give it a long-term compliance edge for public-sector use.
Request a Compliance Consultation
Work with DSLRPros to validate your SOTEN configuration, firmware, and operational documentation for full regulatory readiness.
SOTEN vs DJI and Other Alternatives
The ACSL SOTEN competes head-to-head with leading enterprise platforms like the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, as well as NDAA-compliant systems such as Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat, Teledyne FLIR SIRAS, and Freefly Astro.
What sets the SOTEN apart is secure modularity—its ability to swap payloads without sacrificing data integrity—and a traceable Japanese supply chain that meets strict procurement and cybersecurity standards. For government agencies, utilities, or inspection contractors under NDAA or Blue UAS scrutiny, this matters more than flight specs alone.
Comparison Overview
| Decision Factor | ACSL SOTEN | DJI Enterprise (e.g., M350 RTK) | NDAA-Compliant Alternatives (e.g., IF800, SIRAS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Japan, with U.S. subsidiary (ACSL USA) | China | U.S. / Allied manufacture |
| Compliance Posture | NDAA-ready, Blue UAS path under evaluation | Non-NDAA (varies by model) | Fully NDAA / Blue UAS-certified |
| Payload System | Modular EO, Thermal, Multispectral | Proprietary DJI ecosystem | Open gimbal, MAVLink, modular |
| Data Security | AES-256 encrypted telemetry & flight logs | Cloud-integrated, partially encrypted | Local-only or hybrid |
| Remote ID | Built-in Bluetooth module | Built-in | Add-on module required |
| BVLOS Readiness | Dual-link control, LTE-ready | Depends on firmware / license | Varies by manufacturer |
| Service & Support | ACSL USA + DSLRPros full integration | Broad global network | Model-dependent service access |
| Long-Term Support | 5-year firmware + parts plan | Model-based lifecycle | SLA or contract-based |
| Price Range | Competitive mid-tier NDAA option | Higher hardware cost + ecosystem lock | Varies widely by payload and origin |
Why SOTEN Wins on Flexibility
DJI excels in ecosystem maturity but remains limited for organizations under NDAA or cybersecurity mandates. Many public-sector teams can’t legally deploy DJI drones for sensitive data capture—forcing them to choose between performance and compliance.
SOTEN bridges that gap. It offers DJI-class imaging and endurance, yet retains local data control and AES-256 encryption as standard. Its modular payload bay also mirrors the flexibility of open-platform drones like Freefly Astro or Inspired Flight IF800, but with a smaller footprint and simpler operational workflow.
Migration Checklist
- Assess Compatibility: Map your current workflow (AirData, Pix4D, UgCS, or FlytBase) and confirm SOTEN integration.
- Select Package: Choose from DSLRPros Survey, Thermal, or Inspection bundles to match your mission profile.
- Validate Output: Run a short parallel flight to confirm geotag accuracy and deliverable quality.
Ready to compare platforms?
Request a field demo or quote from DSLRPros to identify the best secure, NDAA-aligned SOTEN configuration for your inspection, mapping, or public safety operations.
Use Cases and Sector Applications
The ACSL SOTEN adapts seamlessly across professional fields—from critical infrastructure inspections to precision agriculture. Its modular payload system allows operators to tailor one airframe for multiple missions while maintaining NDAA-level security and reliable performance.
Infrastructure Inspections
Ideal for transmission towers, bridges, and substations. The optical zoom and thermal payloads detect cracks, heat signatures, and corrosion without manual climbs. In trials with Firmatek, SOTEN inspected over 300 utility poles per day while maintaining secure data capture.
Mapping and Surveying
For construction, corridor mapping, and topographic surveys, SOTEN’s standard EO and multispectral payloads deliver 2–3 cm accuracy with RTK/PPK workflows. Operators can process outputs in Pix4D or Agisoft, supported by AirData for fleet QA. The result: high-precision maps without cloud exposure.
Public Safety and Emergency Response
Fire, SAR, and law enforcement units benefit from thermal and zoom imaging for situational awareness. Encrypted telemetry keeps footage secure, even in LTE or offline modes. Rapid setup and modular payloads make it ideal for tactical deployments.
Agriculture and Vegetation Monitoring
The multispectral payload measures crop health and irrigation efficiency. Data integrates with NDVI and QGIS tools to track field conditions. Teams can switch between thermal and RGB sensors for day-to-night monitoring using one platform.
Sector Snapshot
| Sector | Core Deliverable | Key Payloads | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Defect imagery, hotspots | Zoom, Thermal | Secure, stand-off inspection |
| Mapping | Orthomosaics, DSMs | EO, Multispectral | RTK accuracy, offline mapping |
| Public Safety | Heat, visibility | Thermal, Zoom | Encrypted field visibility |
| Agriculture | NDVI maps, stress data | Multispectral | Quick swap, precise analysis |
The Takeaway: Secure. Adaptable. Proven in the Field.
The ACSL SOTEN represents the next evolution in secure, modular enterprise drones—engineered in Japan for teams that prioritize compliance, reliability, and control. Built to meet NDAA standards, it merges strong encryption, flexible payloads, and proven field performance into one ready-to-deploy platform.
Why It Delivers Value
- Data stays secured: AES-256 encryption, onboard storage, offline firmware.
- Flexible missions: Swap RGB, thermal, or multispectral payloads in minutes.
- Ecosystem-ready: Works with Pix4D, AirData, FlytBase, and QGIS.
- Procurement-safe: NDAA-aligned and supported by ACSL USA.
- Built to last: IP43 protection, sub-meter precision, LTE redundancy.
Talk to a DSLRPros Expert
Schedule a demo or request a quote to see how SOTEN can strengthen your secure drone program.
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FAQ: ACSL SOTEN Drones
Is the ACSL SOTEN drone NDAA-compliant?
Yes. The SOTEN is designed and manufactured in Japan, meeting U.S. NDAA compliance requirements and offering secure alternatives for enterprise and public-safety operations.
Can the SOTEN fly BVLOS?
Yes, the platform supports LTE and encrypted telemetry links designed for BVLOS readiness, subject to FAA waiver approval.
Which industries use the ACSL SOTEN?
The SOTEN is deployed for infrastructure inspection, mapping, agriculture, and public safety—anywhere modular payload flexibility is key.
What payloads are compatible?
EO/IR thermal, optical zoom, standard RGB, and multispectral payloads are supported. Payloads are hot-swappable with no recalibration delay.
Where can I buy ACSL SOTEN drones in the U.S.?
DSLRPros is an official U.S. reseller providing full integration support, firmware updates, and bundle customization.
