Florida State Guard expands disaster response with Event 38 drones

Event 38 Unmanned Systems has completed delivery of its E455 fixed-wing VTOL drone systems and mission payloads to the Florida State Guard, marking a new step in how the state prepares for emergencies, disasters, and public safety operations.

The American-made E455 drones will be used by the Florida State Guard (FSG) for training, evaluation, and operational readiness as the volunteer force continues to expand its use of unmanned aircraft systems. The FSG’s core mission centers on rapid response during natural disasters, crisis situations, and public safety incidents across Florida — a state that regularly faces hurricanes, flooding, and large-scale emergency events.

Working alongside agencies such as the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Highway Patrol, the State Guard plans to deploy the E455 as a force multiplier. The drone is expected to deliver real-time aerial intelligence when responders need it most, particularly in hard-to-reach or dangerous environments.

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According to Event 38, the E455 will support a wide range of missions, including surveying and mapping areas impacted by severe weather, collecting situational awareness data during emergency response operations, and assisting with search and rescue efforts. One key capability is its ability to carry advanced payloads such as Lifeseeker technology from Centum, which can help locate individuals in distress or imminent danger by detecting mobile phone signals.

“We are proud to work with an organization as prestigious as the Florida State Guard,” says Jeff Taylor, CEO and founder of Event 38 Unmanned Systems. He adds that the Guard is developing new concepts of operation that could change how emergency managers use drones during critical incidents.

The E455 is a heavy-lift, long-endurance fixed-wing VTOL drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as mapping and infrastructure inspection missions. Its vertical takeoff and landing capability allows it to operate without traditional runways, while its extended flight time enables coverage of large areas — a major advantage during statewide emergencies.

Event 38 designs and manufactures its drones in Ohio and has supplied fixed-wing VTOL platforms to organizations worldwide since 2011. With the Florida State Guard integrating the E455 into its operations, the delivery highlights how advanced, domestically produced drones are becoming a central tool in modern emergency response and public safety planning.

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