By: Dawn Zoldi
Nested Technologies, a Canadian manufacturer behind cutting-edge robotics, recently released its SkyTorch Tactical, a purpose-built drone lighting system. They engineered it for those who demand robust, reliable illumination in the most challenging operational environments. Lighting the way for specialized missions, the SkyTorch Tactical empowers first responders, law enforcement teams, industrial inspectors and disaster relief crews by integrating high-performance lighting with seamless utility and minimal impact on flight time. Solutions Engineer Mykal Hamilton, representing Infinit Drones, outlined the product’s vision and details with an emphasis on practical applications and unique mission benefits.
Mykal Hamilton’s Role & The Nested-Infinit Nexus
Mykal Hamilton serves as a Solutions Engineer with Infinit Drones, the exclusive retailer of the SkyTorch Tactical. Infinit Drones, the “store front” of Nested Technologies delivers specialized drones and related technologies to tangibly enhance operational outcomes. Pedram Nowroozi, a prominent drone industry expert with deep expertise in designing, building, testing and flying custom-built uncrewed aircraft and ground systems leads both companies (Watch Pedram Nowroozi on the Dawn of Autonomy podcast).
Infinit Drones partners with Nested and other forward-thinking companies to bring the best technologies to front line operators. (Read previous AG coverage of Nested Technologies, Infinit Drones and SkyTorch Tactical.).
Hamilton’s insights, drawn from hands-on experience, ground the SkyTorch’s features in real-world needs. “Our mission is to provide operators with specialized technologies that improve safety, efficiency, and mission success,” he explained.
Distinction: Tactical Versus Standard Models
The SkyTorch Tactical is part of a legacy line of Nested Technologies’ drone lighting systems. Purpose-built for rugged, confined and tactical missions, based on customer feedback, its power, resilience and versatility set it apart.
Unlike the standard and Pro SkyTorch models geared toward broad inspection and open environments, the Tactical integrates a reinforced housing, top-side mounting and accessory compatibility for higher-risk scenarios. With these enhancements, operators can manipulate objects remotely and safeguard the aircraft from collisions in close quarters. This provides a huge leap forward in terms of operational resilience.
Balancing Power, Agility and Endurance
The Nested Technologies team designed SkyTorch Tactical specifically for the DJI Avata 2 drone platform, a popular model used in law enforcement. This synergy unlocks new possibilities for operations in darkness and confined environments.
Hamilton clarified the importance of pairing the Tactical with the Avata 2. “It’s compact, agile, and well-suited for tight indoor or tactical environments,” he said. “Pairing it with the Tactical SkyTorch creates a balanced system with powerful lighting that doesn’t compromise agility or endurance.”
Advanced features of the Avata2, like “turtle mode” empower field operators to recover from crashes. A flipped drone can self-right, minimizing downtime and mission risk.
The modular nature of the unit also means the SkyTorch can be adapted for other FPV drone models. Its compatibility allows expansion to other end users and OEM partners.
Engineering Unmatched Illumination
The heart of the SkyTorch Tactical’s capability lies in its dual-beam system which consists of a 3,000-lumen forward beam paired with an 1,800-lumen downward beam. Combined, these beams provide directional lighting for point-of-interest targeting and broad situational awareness.
Despite its power, the entire lighting system adds only 93 grams to the aircraft, which preserves agility, endurance and flight performance. “Despite the output…ultimately, the impact on flight time is very minimal,” Hamilton affirmed. Field tests reveal that the additional weight only reduces flight time by a single minute, which is not a bad tradeoff to light up a dark 3,000 sq ft area like it’s daytime.
Rugged by Necessity
Hamilton emphasized the Tactical’s durability: “The SkyTorch is ruggedly designed with robust build materials that can withstand smoke, dust and confined spaces,” he stated. The reinforced body and top-side mounting deliver stability in rapid deployments and harsh conditions, whether inside tunnels, collapsed structures or disaster zones. The Tactical is engineered to excel where equipment failure is simply not an option.
Seamless Power and Intuitive Interface
The Tactical boasts intelligent power design. By drawing energy directly from the drone’s battery, it streamlines field operations. “It actually is supremely efficient while running directly from the drone’s power,” observed Hamilton. Operators need only swap out the drone battery as they normally would. This keeps missions moving without the need for dedicated extra batteries or mid-flight gear changes.
Nested tailor-made the Tactical’s user interface for simplicity. The lighting system seamlessly integrates with the Avata 2 to ensure stable attachment, straightforward operation and rapid deployment, even for inexperienced pilots. For those requiring even more flexibility, Infinit Drones can provide an optional external battery mount.
Mission-Critical Applications
The SkyTorch Tactical thrives in high-stakes scenarios where visibility can mean the difference between success and failure. Designed for law enforcement teams and critical infrastructure operators, its capabilities shine in missions ranging from suspect pursuit to victim location in collapsed buildings.
During a demonstration, operators flew the SkyTorch Tactical into a confined space to identify a target where traditional drone cameras would falter. Hamilton explained, “Standard drone cameras don’t allow for ideal visibility in low light conditions…The beams give clearer contrast for identifying individuals or hazards, making all the difference between spotting a suspect or missing them entirely.” He continued, “Replace ‘suspect’ with ‘victim’ in a fire or collapsed structure scenario, and the same illumination that located a person in our demo could save a life in disaster response.”
Beyond tactical policing and emergency response, the Tactical has already proven indispensable for nighttime site monitoring and infrastructure assessment in construction, energy and transportation sectors. By illuminating hard-to-reach and hazardous areas, the Tactical helps teams work safely and efficiently after dark.
Global Availability and Direct Support
Operators worldwide can access the SkyTorch Tactical exclusively through Infinit Drones. Hamilton extended an invitation for demonstrations, quotes and integration consulting, noting, “We support clients internationally, in Canada, the United States, and beyond, and we’re willing to send them (SkyTorch Tactical units) wherever they need to go to be put into positive use.”
Whether tailoring a solution for fleet deployment or a single mission, Infinit Drones stands ready to provide direct expertise and support. Hamilton and his team foster a client-focused approach that values unique use cases and adapts the SkyTorch Tactical ecosystem to meet each operational need.
Lighting the Path Forward
The SkyTorch Tactical by Nested Technologies is more than an accessory. It is a trusted partner for specialized missions demanding uncompromising lighting, resilience and integration. For organizations seeking to illuminate their missions with precision, the SkyTorch Tactical delivers unwavering performance, actionable features, and direct support from industry experts who understand what’s required on the ground.
“We’ve created an entire ecosystem… the SkyTorch family of products, and this Tactical is just the latest,” Hamilton concluded.
Operators ready to elevate their night operations and confined-space missions have a powerful new ally. The SkyTorch Tactical can light the way for your specialized mission by redefining drone-based illumination.
Watch Mykal Hamilton in the AGN SkyTorch Tactical worldwide premiere.