The intellectual property (IP) and certain operating assets of Aria Insights Inc., previously known as CyPhy Works Inc., have been acquired by FLIR Systems. 

Founded in 2008, Aria was a developer of tethered small UAS before it ceased operations in March. One of its most well-known developments was the Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications (PARC) tethered drone.

FLIR says that Aria’s assets will be integrated into its Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions Division, supporting the company’s technology portfolio, which has been built from its acquisitions of Prox Dynamics in 2016 and Aeryon Labs and Endeavor Robotics earlier this year.

“We’re pleased to complete the sale of our assets to FLIR Systems,” says Lance Vandenbrook, former CEO of Aria Insights.

“We are proud of the technology our team developed through the operations of CyPhy Works and Aria, and we believe FLIR offers the best opportunity to see it make a difference and support critical missions in the years ahead.”

FLIR notes that tethered UAS offer advantages over free-flying UAS in certain scenarios because of their ability to offer sustained operations on longer missions and persistent situational awareness, which allows users to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

“Tethered UAS systems are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for force protection, border security, and critical infrastructure protection,” says David Ray, president of FLIR’s Government and Defense business.

“Aria’s innovative technology and IP assets will enable us to enhance current capabilities and advance the range of solutions we can deliver to customers in this growing market segment.”