Military-Grade Protection for Drone Pilots

Invest in safeguarding your UAV so it’s always ready for you when you need it.

Drone sitting on a Zarges case

Regardless of where you are using your drone, Zarges cases are built to endure. [Courtesy: Zarges]

I had the privilege of serving as an officer in the Marine Corps during my 20s and 30s. Throughout my time in the service, I had numerous tours of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to our training, one of the things that gave us a distinct advantage in combat was our technology.

In many cases, our various systems were far superior to those used by opposing forces, but our technology was more susceptible to damage. For this reason, many of our weapon systems, computers, optics, and other technology were always in protective cases when not in use.

Technology is great, but if vibration, sun, water, and weather phenomena get to it, rendering it useless, it can quickly become little more than an expensive paperweight. Military gear is expensive, and fighting forces worldwide have realized for a long time that the money spent on protecting it is well worth the investment.

So, why should it be any different for drone pilots?

Drones are a powerful technology that is expected to continue growing in adoption across various industries over the next decade. Drones can transport medicine, deliver lifesaving organs for transplant operations, capture critical data during emergencies, inspect our infrastructure, and optimize food production. But that's only possible if the drones are not damaged and are working properly. Drone pilots should expect to protect their drones and other gear with the same level of care as the military.

Thankfully, there is one company that has numerous options ready to place military-grade protection in the hands of professional drone pilots everywhere.

Introducing Zarges

Since 1933, Zarges has been supplying militaries around the world with cases that meet and often exceed the challenging environments soldiers encounter. Militaries trust Zarges cases for transporting delicate equipment, sensitive electronics, avionics, and military UAVs.

Zarges cases are designed for ultimate protection even in extreme environments. In addition to operating as intended in temperatures ranging from minus-228 degrees Fahrenheit to 302 F, the company’s cases are resistant to UV, water, weather, and corrosion. The standard features of each case are far beyond what most cases on the market offer.

They include the following:

  • Edge, face, and lid profile frame
  • Stacking corners
  • All riveted joints, except for the spot-welded seam
  • Load-bearing lid strap
  • Durable C-ring fasteners for at least 20K operating cycles
  • High-strength, smooth welding points with a gap-free, load-bearing overlap joint
  • Continuous foam lid seal
  • Stainless steel hinges
  • Continuous beading and corner beading, depending on size
  • Ergonomic comfort-sprung drop handle
  • Additional bracing on some larger units
  • High-performance flash butt welding process

Zarges and Military Specifications Drone Pilots Will Appreciate

As you can probably imagine, military personnel find themselves operating in austere environments. During my years in combat zones, I spent time in a wide range of conditions, from the scorching desert heat of Iraq to the extreme winters of the Afghan mountains.

Regardless of the environment, I had confidence in the cases I was using because they were designed to meet or exceed specific guidelines called Mil-Specs.

Mil-Specs are guidelines that tell manufacturers supplying the military that their products must meet specific minimum requirements. Zarges cases are designed with several specifications in mind, which drone pilots will appreciate:

  • MIL-STD-285: This military standard is related to electromagnetic shielding. It is basically a test on enclosures, such as cases, to ensure that the case shields sensitive equipment from external signals that could cause damage or malfunctions.
  • MIL-STD-810: This military standard ensures that equipment can withstand harsh environments. When applied to a case, the standard shows that the case can survive in blazing heat, freezing cold, high altitudes, and rough handling during transportation. 
  • IP65: Although not a Mil-Spec, IP65 is an international rating that indicates how well a device protects against dust and water. In the case of IP65, this standard means that the case is completely dust-tight, so no dust or small particles can get inside. Regarding water, the case is water-resistant against low-pressure water jets from any direction, similar to rain or a garden hose. So, it's not waterproof, but it is very water-resistant.

As you can see, these specifications and standards, which are important to the military, are also beneficial to commercial drone pilots. They ensure the case is reliable and that it will protect your drone with total confidence.

Zarges vs. Other Drone Cases

As drone pilots, we have many options for carrying and protecting our gear. Before using Zarges cases, I had everything from backpacks to fabric cases to hard plastic ones. While these cases provided my gear with the bare minimum level of projection and storage, none would have met Mil-Specs like a Zarges case does.

When comparing Zarges' cases and their military-grade protection to others I have used, the company is superior on many levels. Drone pilots will appreciate the following:

  • Material: Other cases are made of fabrics, polycarbonate, or generic hard plastic. Zarges cases are made out of a lightweight aluminum alloy.
  • Durability: When it comes to protecting your drone, a case needs to be able to take a beating. That's true for people operating drones in remote areas or even when checking a drone in at the airport. Zarges cases are impact-resistant and do not crack or warp, unlike traditional cases.
  • Temperature resistance: I've had traditional cases fail to protect my drone and accessories in the heat of the Mojave Desert, but that won't be a problem for a Zarges case, which, as mentioned, can function as intended in temperature ranges from minus-228 F to 302 F.
  • Environmental resistance: Most drone cases, especially those made of fabric, offer little to no protection from anything except a bit of dust. Zarges cases are perfect for protecting drones from UV, water, weather, and corrosion.

Zarges cases are the best in all categories, hands down. There is just no comparison between the quality of a Zarges case and those made by other companies that supply the drone industry.

Why Drone Pilots Need a Zarges Case

As you can see now from the comparison, Zarges cases are ideally suited to protect military equipment. The craftsmanship and engineering that have been poured into making these cases are ideally suited for drone pilots.

Any pilot looking for a single case that will last them for as long as they want to fly drones should look no further than Zarges. [Courtesy: Zarges]

Transporting and storing drones exposes them to a wide range of threats, including dust, water, UV, and shock. The military learned long ago to protect its equipment from these threats. Drone pilots should do the same.

Most professional drone pilots operate drones that range in cost from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Our drones represent a significant investment for us. If we fail to keep our drones safeguarded, we will likely damage them, and that's bad for business. Invest in protecting your drone, so it's always ready for you when you need it.

Since my time in the military, I have learned the value of protecting equipment. The military ensures the gear it uses meets certain standards so that equipment doesn't fail when it is needed most. Commercial drone pilots can benefit from those rigorous standards by protecting their drones with Zarges cases. I'm glad my drones are protected by military-grade cases and hope you make the switch to Zarges, too.

FAQ

Are Zarges cases heavy compared to plastic drone cases?

No, Zarges cases are made from lightweight aluminum alloy, offering superior durability without excessive weight.

Can Zarges cases be taken as carry-on luggage when flying?

Some smaller models may meet airline carry-on size limits, but larger cases will need to be checked.

Do Zarges cases provide thermal insulation for drone batteries?

Yes, their extreme temperature resistance helps protect batteries from overheating or freezing in harsh environments.

FLYING may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

David Daly is a professional writer, former Marine Corps officer, and a licensed commercial drone pilot. He is the founder of Vigilante Drones, a drone services company and a co-owner of Altitude University, a leading online educational platform for the drone industry.

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