Expanding Aerial Intelligence
Motorola Solutions has announced the integration of its CAPE drone software platform with the Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat drone, marking a transformative leap in drone capabilities for public safety, utility, GIS, and infrastructure sectors. For MCA customers, especially those managing mission-critical operations, this development represents a secure, compliant, and future-ready aerial solution that enhances situational awareness, operational efficiency, and tactical response.
What Is CAPE?
CAPE (Command and Aerial Platform Environment) is Motorola Solutions’ cloud-based drone flight control software that gives organizations centralized control over unmanned aerial systems (UAS). From a secure, web-based platform, CAPE empowers operators to manage drone missions in real time – from flight planning and live video streaming to incident response and situational management.
What Is the IF800 Tomcat?
The IF800 Tomcat from Inspired Flight is a medium-lift commercial drone manufactured in the U.S. and certified under the NDAA, Green UAS, and Blue UAS programs – making it fully vetted for defense, public safety, and federal use. With a 54-minute flight time, 6.6-pound max payload, and compatibility with advanced sensors including LiDAR, EO/IR, and high-resolution optical payloads, the IF800 is engineered for demanding field operations such as:
- Aerial mapping and photogrammetry
- Search and rescue
- Power line and infrastructure inspection
- Tactical response and perimeter monitoring
Why This Integration Matters for MCA Customers
The integration of CAPE with the IF800 Tomcat delivers an end-to-end aerial intelligence platform with unmatched benefits for MCA customers across various sectors.
Mission-Critical Compliance and Security
With increasing U.S. states restricting foreign-manufactured drones, the IF800’s 100% U.S.-based production and Blue UAS certification offer a secure, compliant path forward for customers in public safety and utilities. Agencies can confidently deploy drones for critical infrastructure operations, emergency management, and sensitive data collection without regulatory concern.
Real-Time Command and Control
CAPE allows users to operate drones remotely via the web – no pilot is required on site. This is a game-changer for drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs, emergency teams managing live scenes, or utilities coordinating multiple field teams across wide geographic areas. Features include:
- Immediate data capture and analysis without retrieval delays
- Live video feeds are streamed directly into dispatch or command centers
- Flight path management and no-fly zone enforcement
High-Endurance Performance
The IF800’s 54-minute flight time and 23-knot wind resistance deliver consistent performance in real-world conditions. Whether flying over rugged terrain or during disaster recovery operations, the drone provides long-duration, stable aerial visibility—vital for SAR, damage assessments, or tracking fast-moving scenarios.
Payload Flexibility and Multi-Use Functionality
Equipped with a universal payload interface, the IF800 can carry a variety of high-performance sensors tailored for:
- Public Safety: Real-time EO/IR video for search and surveillance, with enhanced night vision
- Utilities: LiDAR for transmission line inspection, vegetation management, and post-storm assessments
- GIS and Mapping: Aerial photogrammetry and 3D terrain modeling using precision GPS/RTK and LiDAR payloads
This modular payload support allows MCA customers to deploy the same drone across multiple departments and use cases, maximizing ROI.
Rapid Data Collection and Analysis
The CAPE-IF800 system enables fast, on-demand insights from aerial footage. For GIS and utility customers, this means:
- Generating high-resolution topographic maps
- Conducting asset inspections without lift trucks or helicopters
- Identifying faults or hazards in real time and issuing immediate work orders
Public safety teams can live-stream overhead visuals into Motorola’s CommandCentral Aware, enabling integrated response alongside radio communications and dispatch tools.
Built for the Future of Drone Operations
This integration is just the beginning. Motorola Solutions and Inspired Flight are working to expand the IF800 + CAPE system’s support for Drone as First Responder (DFR) missions, cross-agency deployment, and deeper integration with Motorola’s public safety ecosystem – including Avigilon Video, CommandCentral software, and P25 radio systems.
Customers can expect:
- Enhanced interoperability with MCCs and dispatch consoles
- Dynamic flight path re-tasking during live missions
- Federated video access for multi-agency coordination
MCA: Delivering Trusted Drone Technology for Critical Applications
As an authorized provider of Motorola Solutions and drone technologies, MCA is uniquely positioned to deliver turnkey drone systems that include:
- Hardware (IF800 Tomcat): Configured with payloads specific to your operational needs
- Software (CAPE): Fully integrated into your existing command environment
- Training: Flight operations, data collection, and compliance best practices
- Ongoing Support: Maintenance, troubleshooting, and software updates
Whether you’re in public safety, critical infrastructure, or geospatial services, MCA’s team of experts can help assess your use cases, integrate drone solutions into your existing workflows, and ensure secure, compliant deployment.
Ready to Take Flight?
The CAPE + IF800 integration represents a leap forward in intelligent drone operations, combining military-grade reliability, secure cloud-based control, and modular payload capability. MCA customers now have access to a drone platform designed to evolve with regulations, missions, and technologies – delivering long-term value, unmatched adaptability, and a tactical edge in the field.
Contact MCA today to explore how the Motorola-CAPE and Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat solution can elevate your aerial capabilities.
About MCA
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort needed to research, install, and maintain the right solutions to make your workplace better.
Our team of certified professionals across the United States delivers a full suite of reliable technologies with a service-first approach. The MCA advantage is our extensive service portfolio to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish.
