Shop ACSL SOTEN Series Drones, Parts, & Accessories

ACSL SOTEN: NDAA-Compliant Drone Built for Data-Sensitive Operations and Sensor Flexibility

The ACSL SOTEN is a folding quadcopter designed from the ground up for professional field operations where data security, regulatory compliance, and sensor flexibility are non-negotiable. Built entirely in Japan by Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory (ACSL), the SOTEN carries AES-256 encrypted communications and onboard recording in a sub-4.4-pound (2.0 kg) airframe that fits in a backpack and deploys in minutes. It is fully compliant with the American Security Drone Act of 2023 under the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, manufactured using components sourced exclusively from Japan and U.S.-allied countries.

At DSLRPros, the SOTEN is available in a range of purpose-configured bundles spanning inspection, thermal, survey, agriculture, and general-mission applications, along with standalone cameras, controllers, and accessories. Every configuration runs on the same secure, Japan-built airframe — so your team trains once and deploys across multiple mission types by swapping cameras in the field without tools.

ACSL SOTEN Bundles, Cameras, and Controllers: Variants and Configuration Options

The SOTEN collection at DSLRPros is organized around three layers: complete mission bundles that include the aircraft, camera, and controller; standalone cameras for operators expanding an existing SOTEN fleet; and controllers and accessories available individually. The aircraft itself is a single platform — what changes between bundles is the camera, the controller tier, and whether a rapid deployment hard case is included.

Mission bundles available at DSLRPros:

• Thermal Bundle Plus with Rapid Deployment Hard Case: SOTEN aircraft, SAMO thermal-optical camera, TAITEN Smart Controller, rapid deployment hard case
• Thermal Package with TAITEN Smart Controller & SAMO Payload: SOTEN aircraft, SAMO thermal-optical camera, TAITEN Smart Controller
• Agriculture Bundle Plus with Rapid Deployment Hard Case: SOTEN aircraft, multispectral camera, TAITEN Smart Controller, rapid deployment hard case
• Agriculture Package: SOTEN aircraft, multispectral camera, TAITEN Smart Controller
• Survey RTK Bundle Plus with Rapid Deployment Hard Case: SOTEN aircraft, standard camera, RTK module, TAITEN Smart Controller, rapid deployment hard case
• Survey RTK Bundle Plus: SOTEN aircraft, standard camera, RTK module, TAITEN Smart Controller
• Inspection Bundle Plus with Rapid Deployment Hard Case: SOTEN aircraft, standard camera, TAITEN Smart Controller, rapid deployment hard case
• Inspection Package: SOTEN aircraft, standard camera, TAITEN Smart Controller
• Mission Package: SOTEN aircraft, standard camera, TENSO Smart Controller
• Basic Bundle with Standard Camera, Hardcase, & TENSO Controller: SOTEN aircraft, standard camera, TENSO Smart Controller, hard case
• Basic Bundle with Standard Camera & Hardcase (No Controller): SOTEN aircraft, standard camera, hard case

ACSL SOTEN Platform Architecture and Flight Performance

The SOTEN is built around a folding four-rotor airframe that collapses to 162 x 363 mm (6.4 x 14.3 inches) for transport and opens to 637 x 560 mm (25.1 x 22.0 inches) across the propeller span. Takeoff weight with the standard camera and battery is 1,720g (3.79 lbs), and the platform is rated to a 2,000g (4.4 lb) maximum. The airframe carries an IP43 ingress protection rating with camera, gimbal, and battery installed, and is designed for use between 0°C and 40°C (32°F–104°F).

The flight system delivers a maximum airspeed of 15 m/s (33.6 mph), climbs at up to 3 m/s, and operates within a 2,000 m (6,562 ft) altitude ceiling. Maximum flight time is 25 minutes with the standard camera at an 8 m/s wind speed, or 29 minutes without a camera attached. The 94 Wh lithium-ion smart battery powers the aircraft, and up to three controllers can be paired to a single aircraft with in-flight control transfer between them.

GNSS combines GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, and SLAS for positioning. Hovering accuracy with vision positioning is ±0.1 m vertical and ±0.3 m horizontal. The obstacle avoidance system uses a forward, up, and down vision array paired with infrared sensors, covering a forward detection range of 10 m and a downward range of 12 m. The operating frequency is 2.412–2.477 GHz with an optional LTE communications module for extended range operations.

Integrated Camera System, Field-Swappable Cameras, and Ground Support Hardware

The SOTEN's one-touch swappable camera bay is the operational center of the platform. All four cameras attach and detach without tools. Each mounts on a shared 3-axis gimbal with ±0.02° control accuracy, a controllable pan range of ±85°, and a tilt range of -115° to +45°. Maximum gimbal control speed is 60°/s on pan and 100°/s on tilt and roll. Camera selection determines what mission the aircraft flies — the airframe and ground support hardware stay the same across all configurations.

Standard Camera (Xacti CX-GB100 — High Resolution Gimbal Camera)

• Sensor: 1-inch, 20 MP
• Shutter: Mechanical
• FOV: H64°, V44°, D73° — focal length 28 mm equivalent
• Aperture: F2.8–F11
• Still formats: JPEG, DNG, JPEG+DNG at 20 MP / 15 MP / 10 MP
• Video: 4K/30fps; 2.7K/60, 30fps; Full HD/120, 60, 30fps; HD/60, 30fps; nHD/240, 120, 60, 30fps — MOV/H.264
• Onboard encryption: enabled/disabled by operator
• Weight: 180g (6.3 oz); dimensions: 78 x 82 x 70 mm

Optical Zoom Camera (Xacti CX-GB400 — Optical Zoom Gimbal Camera)

• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch, 12 MP
• Optical zoom: 2.5x
• FOV: WIDE H86°, V64°; TELE H43°, V30° — focal length 18–45 mm equivalent
• Aperture: WIDE F2.0 / TELE F3.0; electronic shutter
• Still formats: JPEG, DNG, JPEG+DNG
• Video: 4K/30fps; 2.7K/60, 30fps; Full HD/60, 30fps; HD/60, 30fps — MOV/H.264
• Weight: 195g (6.9 oz); dimensions: 78 x 87 x 72 mm

Multispectral Camera (Xacti CX-GB300 — Multispectral Gimbal Camera)

• Sensor: 1-inch, 20 MP
• FOV: H64°, V44°, D73° — focal length 28 mm equivalent
• Aperture: F2.8–F11; mechanical and electronic shutter
• Still format: RGB TIFF 16-bit, 2720 x 1814
• Includes triple bandpass filter and solar sensor
• Compatible with RTK and mapping software
• Weight: 200g (7.1 oz); dimensions: 78 x 99 x 93 mm

SAMO — High Resolution Thermal Camera (ACSL SOTEN SAMO Thermal-Optical Payload)

• Thermal sensor: FLIR Boson 640 x 512 radiometric
• Visible sensor: 64 MP, 20x optical zoom
• Thermal FOV: ~32° HFOV; visible FOV: ~67° HFOV
• Thermal accuracy: ±5°C (0–100°C range); sensitivity <20 mK typical
• Frame rate: up to 60 Hz
• Core module: Teledyne FLIR OEM Hadron 640R (ITAR-free)
• Ingress protection: IP54; operating range: -20°C to +60°C
• Weight: ~56g (~2.0 oz); one-touch mount
• NDAA-compliant, ITAR-free

The table below compares all four swappable cameras side by side.

Optional field-attachable accessories:

• Top Mount: enables upward-facing camera orientation for bridge and overhead structure inspections
• RTK Module: adds real-time kinematic positioning for precision survey and mapping workflows; available standalone or included in Survey RTK bundles
• Propeller Guard: available separately for confined-space or proximity operations
  

Ground support and control hardware:

• ACSL TENSO Smart Controller: 5-inch display, IP43, 2.5-mile range, 2.4 GHz, AES256 encrypted, Wi-Fi and LTE, 3-hour battery, ACSL TAKEOFF integrated
• ACSL TAITEN Smart Controller: 7-inch display, IP54, 6+ mile range, 2.4 + 5.8 GHz dual-band (ACSL Fides-Link), AES256 encrypted, Wi-Fi, 8-hour battery, Android 13, ACSL TAKEOFF integrated
• ACSL SOTEN Smart Battery: 94 Wh lithium-ion
• Single Battery Charger
• Triple Cradle Battery Charger: charges up to three batteries in series
• Rapid Deployment Hard Case: field-ready protective case for full kit transport
• Soft Storage Case (backpack)

Software and ground control:

• ACSL TAKEOFF: the primary ground control application, fully integrated with both the TENSO and TAITEN Smart Controllers. Handles mission planning, camera control, and flight telemetry.
• Standard camera EXIF data is compatible with RTK and mapping software workflows.

SOTEN Core Capabilities Across Every Mission Configuration

• AES-256 encryption: applies to all wireless communications and can be enabled for onboard recording, keeping flight logs and captured imagery under operator control
• One-touch camera swapping: all four cameras mount and dismount without tools; the gimbal initializes automatically on power-up
• NDAA compliance: manufactured in Japan with components sourced from Japan and U.S.-allied countries, certified compliant with Executive Order 1398 and the American Security Drone Act of 2023
• Multi-controller operations: up to three controllers can be paired to one aircraft; control can be transferred between pilots in flight
• Multi-device streaming: simultaneous video and telemetry output to up to three controllers at once
• Obstacle avoidance: forward, upward, and downward vision arrays plus infrared sensors covering detection ranges from 2 m to 12 m depending on direction
• GNSS redundancy: GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, and SLAS combined for positioning reliability in demanding environments
• Vision positioning: ±0.1 m vertical and ±0.3 m horizontal hover accuracy in adequately lit environments with clear surface texture
• LTE comms module: optional field-installable cellular module extends operational range and supports connectivity in low-radio environments
• Top and bottom mounting: the airframe supports both downward-facing and upward-facing camera configurations via the optional Top Mount accessory
• Remote ID: built-in and compliant with FAA requirements on both the TENSO and TAITEN controllers

Where the SOTEN Gets Deployed: Field Applications and Operational Use Cases

• Infrastructure inspection: powerlines, transmission towers, bridge structures, and telecom assets — the optical zoom camera provides safe stand-off distance without sacrificing image detail
• Thermal diagnostics: solar farm hotspot detection, substation inspections, and industrial equipment assessments using the SAMO's FLIR Boson 640×512 radiometric sensor
• Public safety and search and rescue: the SAMO delivers real-time thermal and visible imaging with 20x optical zoom, making it effective for locating personnel in low-visibility environments
• Precision agriculture: the multispectral camera captures RGB TIFF imagery through a triple bandpass filter, enabling NDVI vegetation index analysis and crop health monitoring
• Survey and mapping with RTK: the Survey RTK bundle combines the standard 20 MP camera with the RTK module for centimeter-level geotagged imagery compatible with photogrammetry workflows
• Construction site documentation: high-resolution stills and 4K video from the standard camera support progress documentation and as-built records
• Environmental monitoring: multispectral capture and mapping-software-compatible EXIF data support land management and ecological assessment programs
• Law enforcement and tactical overwatch: encrypted telemetry and compact form factor make the SOTEN deployable in time-sensitive public safety scenarios

ACSL TAKEOFF and Workflow Compatibility

The SOTEN runs on ACSL TAKEOFF, the ground control application integrated into both the TENSO and TAITEN Smart Controllers. TAKEOFF handles mission planning, waypoint routing, camera triggering, and real-time telemetry display. All communications between the controller and aircraft are AES-256 encrypted, and onboard recording encryption can be toggled per mission depending on data-handling requirements.

The TENSO Smart Controller operates on 2.4 GHz with a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) range and adds Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity. It runs for up to 3 hours on internal power, extendable via USB-C, and supports compatible Android devices for additional display. The TAITEN Smart Controller extends the setup further with a 7-inch display, IP54 protection, a 6+ mile range over the ACSL Fides-Link dual-band radio, an 8-hour battery, and a fully customizable control layout including 8 programmable buttons, a 5-way hat, and 2 independent gimbal wheels. Both controllers support up to three simultaneous pairings to a single aircraft. The standard camera's EXIF output is directly compatible with RTK positioning workflows and mapping software pipelines, covering the full data path from capture to deliverable.

Choosing the Right SOTEN Configuration for Your Mission

• Camera type first: identify whether your mission requires high-resolution visible imaging, stand-off zoom, multispectral vegetation data, or thermal with visible fusion — each camera serves a distinct operational function
• Controller tier: the TENSO is the field-ready standard controller suited to most inspection and documentation missions; the TAITEN adds extended range, IP54 durability, and a larger display for demanding environments and longer-duration operations
• RTK requirement: if your deliverables require centimeter-level geotagging — survey, construction, precision mapping — the Survey RTK bundles include the RTK module; it is also available as a standalone add-on
• Case configuration: the Bundle Plus variants include the rapid deployment hard case, which secures the full kit for transport in a single carry; standard packages omit the case for operators who already have cases or prefer the soft backpack option
• Fleet scaling: standalone cameras and controllers are available individually, so teams operating multiple SOTEN aircraft can standardize on one airframe and expand sensor capability without purchasing additional complete bundles
• Existing controller: the Basic Bundle (No Controller) configuration is available for operators adding a second aircraft to an existing setup where a spare controller is already on hand

The bundle comparison table below maps each configuration to its camera, controller, RTK module, case, and primary mission type.

DSLRPros carries the full SOTEN camera lineup and all controller options as standalone items, so teams can configure and expand without purchasing complete bundles each time. Contact DSLRPros for guidance on the right starting configuration for your mission profile, or to request a quote on a multi-unit fleet order.

FAQs

Is the ACSL SOTEN NDAA-compliant?

Yes. The SOTEN is entirely manufactured by ACSL in Japan using components sourced exclusively from Japan and U.S.-allied countries. It is certified compliant with Executive Order 1398 and the American Security Drone Act of 2023 under the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act. Section 162 of the FY2025 NDAA has no impact on its status, as all critical components already originate from allied suppliers. A signed compliance statement from ACSL Inc., dated June 5, 2025, is available upon request.

What cameras are compatible with the ACSL SOTEN?

The SOTEN supports four one-touch swappable cameras: the Standard Camera (Xacti CX-GB100, 20 MP, 1-inch sensor, mechanical shutter), the Optical Zoom Camera (Xacti CX-GB400, 12 MP, 2.5x optical zoom), the Multispectral Camera (Xacti CX-GB300, 20 MP with triple bandpass filter and solar sensor), and the SAMO Thermal-Optical payload (64 MP visible with 20x optical zoom plus FLIR Boson 640 x 512 radiometric thermal). All cameras mount without tools and the gimbal initializes automatically on startup.

What is the difference between the TENSO and TAITEN Smart Controllers?

Both controllers run the ACSL TAKEOFF ground control application with AES-256 encrypted communications. The TENSO operates on 2.4 GHz with a 2.5-mile range, a 5-inch 1080p display rated IP43, and a 3-hour battery. The TAITEN operates on dual-band 2.4 + 5.8 GHz (ACSL Fides-Link) with a 6+ mile range, a 7-inch display rated IP54, an 8-hour battery, and a customizable layout with 8 programmable buttons, a 5-way hat, and 2 dedicated gimbal wheels. The TAITEN is standard in Inspection, Survey, Agriculture, and Thermal bundles; the TENSO is included in the Basic and Mission packages.

What is the RTK module and which bundles include it?

The ACSL SOTEN RTK Module adds real-time kinematic positioning to the standard 20 MP camera workflow, enabling centimeter-level geotagged imagery for precision survey and mapping missions. It is included in both Survey RTK Bundle Plus configurations and is also available as a standalone accessory for operators who want to add RTK capability to an existing SOTEN setup.

What does AES-256 encryption cover on the SOTEN?

AES-256 encryption applies to all wireless communications between the aircraft and the controller. It can also be enabled for data written directly to the microSD recording media, meaning captured images, video, and flight logs can remain encrypted at rest on the card. Encryption can be toggled on or off per mission at the operator's discretion.

How long does the ACSL SOTEN fly on a single battery?

Maximum flight time is 25 minutes with the standard camera at an 8 m/s wind speed, or 29 minutes without a camera installed. Actual endurance will vary depending on wind conditions, payload weight, and flight profile. The 94 Wh lithium-ion smart battery is field-swappable, and the triple cradle charger can cycle up to three batteries in series between sorties to reduce downtime on extended operations.

Is the ACSL SOTEN on the Blue UAS Cleared List?

The SOTEN is NDAA-compliant under the American Security Drone Act of 2023 and Executive Order 1398, with all components sourced from Japan and U.S.-allied countries. Blue UAS is a separate DoD-managed cleared list with its own evaluation process. Buyers with Blue UAS requirements should confirm current list status with DSLRPros or directly with ACSL Inc. before procurement.

Can the ACSL SOTEN fly BVLOS?

The SOTEN supports dual-link command architecture with an optional LTE communications module, providing the connectivity foundation for beyond visual line of sight operations. BVLOS flight in the U.S. requires FAA waiver approval regardless of aircraft capability. The platform's LTE fallback and encrypted telemetry link are designed to support BVLOS readiness once the necessary regulatory approvals are in place.

How is the ACSL SOTEN different from a consumer drone?

The SOTEN is an enterprise UAS, not a consumer product. It carries AES-256 encrypted communications, onboard data encryption, NDAA-compliant components, IP43 ingress protection, and a one-touch swappable camera system supporting four distinct sensor types. It also supports multi-controller pairing, in-flight control transfer between operators, and simultaneous telemetry streaming to up to three devices. Consumer drones are not designed for these requirements and typically cannot meet government or enterprise procurement standards.

Where can I buy the ACSL SOTEN in the United States?

DSLRPros is an authorized U.S. dealer for the ACSL SOTEN, carrying the full lineup of mission bundles, standalone cameras, controllers, and accessories. DSLRPros provides pre-sale configuration guidance, U.S.-based support, and procurement documentation assistance for government and enterprise buyers.