What Drone Rescue Systems does

Drone Rescue Systems GmbH is an Austrian aerospace safety company headquartered in Graz that designs and manufactures autonomous parachute recovery and flight-termination systems for commercial unmanned aerial vehicles. The company's product line spans the DRS-5, DRS-10, DRS-15, DRS-25, DRS-HeavyLift (up to 250 kg+ maximum take-off mass), DRS-VTOL, DRS-Fixed Wing, DRS-Rotor Wing, and DRS-FTS, with add-on features including Geofencing and a Manual Triggering Device. Systems are co-engineered for specific airframes, with publicly disclosed integrations covering DJI (M30, M200 series, M300/M350, M400, M600, Inspire 3), Acecore, Arcsky X55, Aurelia X6/X8, DeltaQuad Pro, Freefly AltaX, Velos Rotors V3, and Watts Innovations PRISM Lite/Sky.

The technology relies on platform-specific flight-data monitoring and proprietary failure-detection algorithms to trigger parachute deployment autonomously, without pyrotechnics, and the DRS-FTS extends this capability to meet EASA MOC-2511 Flight Termination System requirements. Products are certified to ASTM F3322-18 and to EASA MOC-2512, making them qualifying safety mitigations for BVLOS operations and operations over people in regulated jurisdictions. The company is led by founder and CEO Markus Manninger, with Alexander Seidenberger heading sales and Fabian Weinhandl heading business development.

Revenue is generated through direct, quote-based hardware sales to drone manufacturers for OEM integration and to commercial operators and public-safety/end-user organizations for retrofit, with bundled engineering services for custom airframe integration (offered under the "Mechanics Only" and "Custom Solution" SKUs). The company holds an official partnership with Auterion (since 2022) for distribution through the Auterion software ecosystem, has received European Space Agency recognition, and counts NASA among its customers. Sales coverage spans Europe (Graz headquarters) and the United States via a dedicated US contact channel.

Name

Drone Rescue Systems

Legal name

Drone Rescue Systems GmbH

Website

https://dronerescue.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Drone Rescue Systems GmbH, based in Graz, Austria, develops autonomous parachute recovery and flight-termination systems for commercial drones. The company serves commercial UAV manufacturers and operators, with platform-specific integrations spanning DJI, Acecore, Freefly, DeltaQuad and others from sub-5kg to 250kg+ airframes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Drone Safety Systems / UAV Recovery Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

UAS Launch/Recovery & Support Equipment (Catapults, Nets, Docking) (IMABAIAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)

Keywords

• Drone parachute systems
• UAV recovery systems
• Flight termination systems
• Drone safety equipment
• Commercial drone compliance

Headquarters

HQ city

Graz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Drone Parachute Recovery System Sales: Sale of hardware parachute recovery systems (DRS series) across multiple weight categories from 2kg to 250kg+ MTOW. Each solution is tailored to specific drone platforms. One-time hardware purchase with reusable system (repacking or spare parachute after deployment).
2. Custom Parachute Solutions: Bespoke parachute recovery system design and integration services for novel drone applications and platforms not covered by standard product lineup.
3. DRS Mechanics Only (Hardware-Only): Sale of parachute hardware without proprietary electronics/sensors, allowing customers to use their own activation systems. Available for drones 2–25kg MTOW at competitive pricing.
4. Certification and Permissions Support Services: Consulting and support services for FAA, CAA, TC, DGAC, and SORA regulatory processes, assisting customers in obtaining flight permissions for commercial drone operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Drone Rescue Systems designs, manufactures, and sells autonomous, non-pyrotechnical parachute recovery systems and flight termination systems for commercial UAVs ranging from 2 kg to 250+ kg MTOW, including drone-platform-specific integrations for DJI, Acecore, Arcsky, Aurelia, DeltaQuad, Freefly, Velos Rotors, and Watts Innovations. The systems use smart electronics and proprietary failure-detection algorithms to autonomously deploy a reusable parachute in the event of in-flight failure, with optional geofencing and manual radio triggering. The company also provides professional consulting and documentation support for FAA, CAA, TC, DGAC, and SORA regulatory certification of commercial drone operations.

Product overview

Drone Rescue Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of autonomous, non-pyrotechnic drone parachute safety solutions designed to protect drones, payloads, and people on the ground. The product line includes a core DRS series (DRS-5, DRS-10, DRS-15, DRS-25, DRS-HeavyLift, DRS-VTOL, DRS-Fixed Wing, DRS-Rotor Wing) covering multicopters from 2kg to 250kg+ MTOW, plus a specialized DRS-FTS Flight Termination System meeting EASA MOC-2511 standards. Additionally, the company provides drone-specific solutions integrating with major platforms including DJI Matrice series (M200, M210 V2, M300/M350, M400, M30, M600, Inspire3), Acecore (NOA, ZOE), Arcsky (X55), Aurelia Aerospace (X6, X8), Deltaquad Pro, Freefly AltaX, Velos Rotors V3, and Watts Innovations (PRISM Lite, PRISM Sky). Optional features include Geofencing with multi-GNSS satellite positioning, Manual Triggering Device, and hardware-only options. The systems feature lightweight construction (290-680g depending on model), autonomous failure detection, and reusable parachute technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DRS Generic Solutions: Core line of parachute recovery systems covering drones by weight class (DRS-5, DRS-10, DRS-15, DRS-25, DRS-HeavyLift, DRS-VTOL, DRS-Fixed Wing, DRS-Rotor Wing, DRS-FTS).
• Acecore Technologies
• Arcsky
• Aurelia Aerospace
• Dji
• DeltaQuad
• Freefly Systems
• Velos Rotors
• Watts Innovations

Products and services

• DRS-5 Autonomous, non-pyrotechnical parachute safety system designed for multicopters with 2–5 kg maximum take-off weight, featuring lightweight construction (~310 g) and various interface options for connectivity (O-SDK, P-SDK, Battery Hub, MAVLink, PWM, Power-Cut-Off Board). Reusable within minutes after deployment.
• DRS-10 Autonomous, non-pyrotechnical parachute safety system for multicopters with 5–10 kg maximum take-off weight. Dimensions approximately 120 mm height and 95 mm diameter, with descent velocity of 2.43–3.49 m/s. Features autonomous failure detection and reusable parachute deployment.
• DRS-15 Autonomous, non-pyrotechnical parachute safety system for multicopters with 10–15 kg maximum take-off weight. Dimensions approximately 165 mm height and 95 mm diameter, with descent velocity of 3–4 m/s. Reusable system with multiple interface options.
• DRS-25 Autonomous, non-pyrotechnical parachute safety system for multicopters with 15–25 kg maximum take-off weight. Approximately 600 g system weight, 30 m parachute deployment range, descent velocity 2–3.6 m/s. Designed to comply with ASTM F3322, MOC-2511, and MOC-2512 standards.
• DRS-HeavyLift Customizable parachute safety solutions for drones exceeding 25 kg maximum take-off weight (up to 250+ kg). Available in various forms and shapes for optimal integration without compromising aerodynamics, for industrial heavy-lift, agricultural, and large-payload delivery applications.
• DRS-VTOL Parachute safety system designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with 2–250 kg MTOW. Features MAVLink, PWM, and custom interface options, autonomous deployment, and reusable parachute design.
• DRS-Fixed Wing Parachute safety system designed for fixed-wing drone aircraft. Available in various forms and shapes for seamless aerodynamic integration, with autonomous deployment and reusable parachute design.
• DRS-Rotor Wing Parachute safety system for rotor wing aircraft with 2–250 kg MTOW. Features autonomous deployment, total weight max 420 g, and full bloom in 8–13 m. Designed to comply with ASTM F3322, MOC-2511, and MOC-2512 standards.
• DRS-FTS Flight Termination System Flight Termination System (FTS) designed to meet EASA MOC-2511 standards, supporting manual, automatic, or geofencing-based triggers. Approximately 115 g weight, 12–60V power supply with 0.7W max consumption, IP-rated design with flexible mounting. Interfaces include MAVLink, PWM, DJI PSDK/OSDK, and custom interfaces on request.
• Manual Triggering Device Standalone radio-controlled manual deployment device with tested range of 2000 meters, available in EU (868 MHz) and non-EU (915 MHz) variants. Allows pilots to trigger parachute deployment remotely, powered by 9V battery.
• DRS Mechanics Only Hardware-only parachute solution for drones from 2–25 kg MTOW, sold without proprietary electronics or sensors so customers can use their own activation systems. Available at competitive pricing for OEMs and operators with in-house electronics integration capability.
• DRS Custom Solution Bespoke parachute recovery system design and integration services for unique drone configurations or specialized requirements not covered by the standard product line. Custom hardware and integration design work tailored to novel platforms or unusual operational profiles.
• Certification and Permissions Support Services Professional consulting and documentation services supporting FAA, CAA, TC, DGAC, and SORA regulatory certification processes for commercial drone operations. Assists drone operators and OEMs in obtaining flight permissions for BVLOS and over-people operations using DRS-certified hardware.
• DRS-M300/M350 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DJI Matrice 300, Matrice 350, and RTK models. Connected via DJI O-SDK/P-SDK with platform-optimized failure detection algorithms, descent velocity 3.2–3.6 m/s.
• DRS-M400 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DJI Matrice 400 series. Installed in the back of the main frame and connected via DJI E-Port V2 through the payload SDK, with descent velocity 3–4.5 m/s.
• DRS-M30 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DJI Matrice 30 series. Connected via DJI onboard SDK with approximately 250 g weight and 97 mm height, descent velocity around 3.5 m/s.
• DRS-M600 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DJI Matrice 600 and 600 Pro. Features power-cut-off board interface with descent velocity 3.9–4.6 m/s.
• DRS-M200 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DJI Matrice 200 series. Uses a modified battery hub interface to stop the props when the parachute activates.
• DRS-M210 V2 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DJI Matrice 210 V2 series. Connected via O-SDK with optimized failure detection, descent velocity 2–4 m/s.
• DRS-Inspire3 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DJI Inspire 3. Uses battery hub interface with 25 m parachute deployment and 3.6 m/s descent velocity. Eligible for ASTM F3322 certification and MOC-2511/MOC-2512 compliant.
• DRS-NOA OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Acecore NOA drone (25 kg MTOW version), developed in partnership with Acecore Technologies. Approximately 620 g weight, 250 mm height, descent velocity 2.0–4.0 m/s.
• DRS-ZOE OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Acecore ZOE drone, developed in partnership with Acecore Technologies. Approximately 120 mm height and 100 mm diameter, descent velocity 2.0–5.0 m/s.
• DRS-X55 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Arcsky X55 drone. Descent velocity 1.5–4.0 m/s depending on weight configuration.
• DRS-X6 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Aurelia Aerospace X6 drone. Approximately 450 g weight and 165 mm height, descent velocity 3.3–3.9 m/s. Eligible for ASTM F3322 certification and MOC-2511/MOC-2512 compliant.
• DRS-X8 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Aurelia Aerospace X8 drone. Approximately 630 g weight, descent velocity 1.5–4.0 m/s.
• DRS-DQpro OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the DeltaQuad Pro VTOL aircraft. Approximately 300 g weight integrated into the fuselage with 20 m deployment and around 4 m/s descent velocity.
• DRS-AltaX OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Freefly Systems AltaX drone. ASTM F3322 certified with MOC-2511 and MOC-2512 compliance. Approximately 620 g weight.
• DRS-VELOS V3 OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Velos Rotors V3 drone. Approximately 680 g weight, descent velocity 1.5–4 m/s depending on drone weight.
• DRS-PRISM Lite OEM-integrated advanced automatic parachute system designed for the Watts Innovations PRISM Lite drone. Lightweight design developed in partnership with Watts Innovations.
• DRS-PRISM Sky OEM-integrated parachute system designed for the Watts Innovations PRISM Sky drone. Features MAVLink interface, descent velocity 3.6–4 m/s, and 35–45 m deployment range.
• Geofencing Optional safety feature for all DRS solutions using an embedded multi-GNSS receiver (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou) operating at 10 Hz with 2.0–2.5 m horizontal position accuracy. Defines operational corridors; if the drone exits a predefined area, the system activates the parachute autonomously. Works completely independently from the drone and supports SORA process for additional containment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Full parachute bloom achieved in 7–45 meters depending on take-off weight, enabling safe descent from very low altitudes
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• AuterioncoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Official Auterion partner since 2022, providing parachute integration solutions for Auterion-based drone platforms. Auterion is the leading open-source drone platform company.
• European Space Agency (ESA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded by ESA, indicating a significant partnership in drone safety and UAV technology development. ESA recognition provides high credibility for space-adjacent drone applications.
• Acecore TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationCo-development partnership for DRS-NOA (Acecore NOA, 25kg version) and DRS-ZOE integrated parachute systems. Parachute solutions developed specifically for Acecore drone platforms with platform-optimized failure detection algorithms.
• ArcskycoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for DRS-X55 integrated parachute system designed for the Arcsky X55 drone. Joint product development with lightweight design optimized for Arcsky platform.
• Aurelia AerospacecoreTechnology or IntegrationCo-development partnership for DRS-X6 and DRS-X8 integrated parachute systems for Aurelia X6 and X8 drones. Solutions designed with lightweight construction and intuitive operation without compromising drone performance.
• DJIcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegrated parachute solutions across the DJI Matrice series (M30, M200, M210 V2, M300/M350, M400, M600) and DJI Inspire 3. Platform-specific integration via O-SDK, P-SDK, and DJI interface, with optimized failure detection algorithms based on extensive flight data.
• DeltaQuadcoreTechnology or IntegrationDRS-DQpro integrated parachute system developed in partnership with DeltaQuad for the Deltaquad Pro VTOL aircraft. Perfectly integrated into the fuselage, maintaining aerodynamics and performance of the VTOL platform.
• Freefly SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationDRS-AltaX integrated parachute system for Freefly AltaX drone, developed in partnership with Freefly Systems. ASTM F3322 certified and MOC-2511/MOC-2512 compliant.
• Velos RotorscoreTechnology or IntegrationDRS-VELOS V3 integrated parachute system for Velos Rotors V3 drone. Joint development with Velos Rotors featuring lightweight design and optimized descent performance (1.5–4 m/s descent velocity).
• Watts InnovationscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for DRS-PRISM Lite and DRS-PRISM Sky integrated parachute systems for Watts Innovations PRISM drones. Advanced automatic parachute systems with lightweight design and MAVLink interface.
• Wirtschaftskammer ÖsterreichminorOthersMember of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich), providing business support and industry representation in Austria.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ParaZero: Israel/Australia-based developer of autonomous drone safety parachute recovery systems (SafeAir) for commercial drones. Closely comparable product category, target customer base (commercial operators and OEMs), and regulatory positioning (ASTM F3322 compliant) to Drone Rescue Systems.
• AVSS - Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions: Canada-based manufacturer of drone parachute recovery systems (PRS) covering small to heavy-lift drones, with FAA, ASTM F3322, and EASA compliance focus. Direct competitor in the same niche serving OEM integrations and commercial operators.
• Indemnis: US-based developer of drone safety parachute systems (Nexus) focused on heavy-lift commercial drones over 10kg. Comparable in regulatory compliance focus and OEM-targeting GTM.
• Opale Paramodels: France-based manufacturer of parachute safety systems for UAVs, including pre-integrated and custom solutions. Comparable drone parachute product line, European regulatory positioning, and direct OEM partnership approach.
• Fruity Chutes: US-based manufacturer of recovery parachutes for UAVs and rockets, including the Iris Ultra and larger recovery systems. Direct competitor in the drone parachute recovery space, though with broader aerospace applicability.

Broad incumbents

• DJI: World's largest commercial drone manufacturer and a major DRS OEM integration partner. As a vertically integrated drone OEM with proprietary safety capabilities, DJI is both a customer and the most significant potential disruptor if it internalizes parachute development.

Others

• Auterion: Open-source drone software platform company and official DRS integration partner since 2022. Comparable ecosystem role in the commercial/autonomous drone stack; enables DRS parachute integration on Auterion-based drone platforms.
• Freefly Systems: US-based drone OEM (AltaX, Astro) and DRS OEM integration partner. Comparable in serving the same commercial/cinematography drone market segment; functions as a partner channel rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/drone_rescue
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtDQXsbUPY58x903vqU8AfQ/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/DroneRescueSystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/drone-rescue-systems-gmbh

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Drone Rescue Systems