RTSP/ATAK Architecture

🔒 Architecture follows CIA Triad security framework—Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability—proven principles for operational control.

Real-Time Video Streaming Flow

Optimized for minimal latency - speed is critical for tactical drone operations

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1. ATAK UAS Tool Control

Pilot controls drone via ATAK UAS Tool plugin (flight, waypoints, gimbal, zoom) and receives situational awareness on tactical map

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2. 4G/5G RTSP Upload

Drone video streams via RTSP over 4G/5G mobile network from field location - optimized for minimal upload latency

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3. Operational Relay + VPN

Operational relay server under unit control - VPN provides military-grade encryption while minimizing latency impact - separates field operations from HQ technical burden

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4. HQ Real-Time Viewing

HQ views via ATAK or RTSP programs over high-speed internet/5G - local recording on HQ machines for data sovereignty

Latency Comparison - Speed is Critical

Real-time drone operations demand minimal latency for tactical decision-making

200ms

✓ FAST

3rd Echelon

Streaming + VPN

450ms

⚠ SLOW

DJI FlightHub

Cloud Processing

2.25× FASTER - Critical advantage for real-time tactical operations

Key Performance Metrics

100%

Data Sovereignty

Operational relay under your unit's control - all recordings saved locally at HQ - access authorization managed by your unit, not service providers - complete control over who sees what (vs DJI: 65% with cloud dependency)

< 200 ms

Ultra-Low Latency

Video streaming server + VPN optimized for minimal latency - critical for real-time tactical decisions during drone operations (vs DJI: ≈ 450 ms)

95%

ATAK C2 Integration

Full Command & Control via ATAK UAS Tool plugin - pilot controls flight, waypoints, gimbal, and zoom - HQ shares Common Operating Picture (COP) across all ATAK users

4G/5G

Flexible Connectivity

Pilots use 4G/5G mobile networks in the field - HQ connects via high-speed internet or 5G - optimized for real-time video streaming performance

Core Capabilities of ATAK UAS Tool

This plugin transforms ATAK into a complete drone control station with real-time video streaming via RTSP to our video streaming server - a key tactical advantage that DJI FlightHub cannot match.

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Geo-Referencing

Draws drone Field of View (FOV) on ATAK tactical map in real-time, so all users know exactly which area is being observed

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Command & Control (C2)

Operators can set waypoints, control gimbal, and zoom camera directly through ATAK interface with clear telemetry display

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Common Operating Picture (COP)

Drone position (PLI) and video are instantly shared to all ATAK users, enabling seamless coordination between different agencies

ATAK UAS Tool — Tactical ISR Drone Solution

Transform your drone from 'flying camera' into tactical aerial intelligence (ISR) system directly integrated with command and control. ATAK UAS Tool is a Command & Control (C2) and ISR platform that fuses drones, ground teams, and intelligence data into a real-time Common Operational Picture (COP).

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AI-Assisted Object Detection

Supports AI/TensorFlow Object Detection integration via plugin or external processing systems (edge/onboard/server). Analyzes drone video feeds in real-time, displays detection results on tactical map, auto-marks and classifies targets, and sends alerts when specified objects appear (persons, vehicles, specific targets). ATAK serves as the central hub for display and command—not just a video viewer.

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Common Operational Picture (COP)

All units see the same picture on the same map. Real-time drone positions, ground teams, markers, and threat data. Instant data sharing across devices and agencies. ISR becomes teamwork, not isolated data viewing.

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Mission Planning & Integrated C2

Plan missions at tactical level, not just waypoints. Define mission objectives, assign tasks to specific units, adjust plans and retask mid-mission based on real situations. Supports real-time commander decision-making.

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Mission-Centric Geofence & Safety

Add mission-based safety layers. Create polygon geofences, define no-go/warning/restricted zones, use with terrain and threat data. ATAK geofence system complements drone safety systems and flight regulations.

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Multi-Sensor Fusion

Fuse data from multiple sources into one view: drone video, telemetry, field sensors, other intelligence. Creates more complete battlefield situational awareness than viewing a single drone alone.

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Alerts, Events & Tactical Triggers

Supports tactical alert and event logic. Alerts when entering defined zones, alerts for sensor or AI events, displays events on COP for immediate decision-making.

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Collaborative Annotation & Geo-Messaging

Collaborative intelligence gathering. Place markers and draw areas on map, send messages linked to actual locations. Pilots, analysts, and command staff work together in real-time.

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After Action Review (AAR)

Turn missions into lessons. Replay missions with key events, analyze decisions, use for training and SOP improvement.

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Extensible Plugin Architecture

Platform that grows with your mission. Add AI analytics, integrate new sensors, connect external systems, develop unit-specific logic. ATAK is not a closed system—it's the foundation of an expandable ISR/C2 system.

💡 ATAK UAS Tool transforms drones from simple remote-controlled cameras into tactical ISR sensors with shared maps, AI object detection, multi-unit collaboration, event alerts, and customizable mission logic — giving commanders real-time situational awareness and decision advantage.

Strategic Recommendation

Choose the solution optimized for speed and security: Video streaming server with VPN for ultra-low latency tactical operations

3rd Echelon ATAK UAS Tool — Best for Real-Time Operations

Choose 3rd Echelon ATAK Solution if your mission demands ultra-low latency video streaming, ATAK UAS Tool integration for full drone control, VPN security, and complete data sovereignty with local recording at HQ.

DJI FlightHub2 — Best for General Inspection

Choose DJI FlightHub Enterprise if your primary goal is routine infrastructure inspection, fleet battery management, and ease of use for non-technical operators.