Should Utilities Go Big? The Reality of Scaling UAS Operations

From Fire & Safety Journal

In the world of utility drones, there’s a common trap. Program managers often think that moving from small quadcopters to large-scale aircraft is just a natural part of growing up. They see it as the logical next step in "program maturity."

In a recent analysis for sUAS News, the teams at End State Solutions and Tactien Group warn that this thinking could be a mistake. 

A larger UAS isn't just a bigger version of what you already have—it's a completely different type of aviation operation. Before you sign a check for a six-figure platform, you need to understand the true costs and the mission requirements.

1. Missions first, aircraft second

A large drone is a tool, not a trophy. End State Solutions and Tactien Group argue that you should never start by picking an aircraft. Instead, look at your operational gaps. Can small UAS or even ground teams solve the problem? If the answer is yes, then a large UAS is probably overkill. 

You only "win" with larger platforms when the mission absolutely demands that extra endurance or a very specific, heavy payload.

2. It’s an aviation operation, not a drone team

When you move into larger-scale UAS, the rules change. You aren't just a drone team anymore; you're running an aviation department. This means you need aviation-level standards for everything. 

We’re talking about formal maintenance programs, safety management systems, and strict training requirements. If your organization isn't ready to sustain that kind of operational weight, the program will fail before it even gets off the ground.

3. The "Multi-Mission" math

The business case for advanced UAS usually falls apart if only one department is using the data. To make the numbers work, the system needs to be capable of handling multiple missions at once. 

If your data isn't being used by engineering, maintenance, and finance simultaneously, the indirect costs—like insurance premiums and operating overhead—will eat your budget alive.

4. Don't trust the rumors

One of the biggest pitfalls for utilities is relying on vendors or industry rumors to set their strategy. Manufacturers want to sell you a platform, so they're naturally biased. 

End State Solutions and Tactien Group suggest engaging with the right experts early—people who have actually led these programs and aren't just trying to move hardware. You need to understand the entire "food chain" of the aircraft before you commit.

5. Strategic partnerships

You don't have to do this alone. Partnering with universities, educational institutions, FAA test sties can give you a massive head start. 

They provide access to test environments and help with research that a standard utility team might not have time for. It’s a great way to build a training pipeline for the future.

6. The timeline is longer than you think

FAA approvals and operational development always take more time than you expect. It's a long journey that requires a lot of patience and a serious commitment from the top of the company. 

If your leadership thinks this is just a quick tech purchase, you're going to have a hard time when the regulatory process starts to drag on.

The EDR News Takeaway: Bigger isn't always better. It sometimes is just more complex. As End State Solutions and Tactien Group make clear, utilities should only invest in larger UAS when the mission demands it and the business case is solid. 

Don't buy the "next step" until you're sure you can handle the weight.

Be sure to join us at the EDR Summit in June, where utilities and service providers will be discussing the best tech, trends and software to scale UAV programs, so you can avoid the obstacles and build smarter and faster.