DESC:Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While
specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done
for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize
that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings
are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details
are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in

9

certain instances, known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the
description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be references to
the same embodiment or any embodiment; and such references mean at least one
of the embodiments.
Reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", “one aspect”, “some aspects”,
“an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places
in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor
are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.
Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some
embodiments and not by others.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the
art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each
term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or
more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed
upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases,
synonyms for certain terms are provided.
A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms.
The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any
terms discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the
scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the
disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.
Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments,
apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the
present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of
the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used

10

herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document,
including definitions will control.
Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can
be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and
advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the
instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from
the following description and appended claims or can be learned by the practice of
the principles set forth herein.
As mentioned above, there is a need for an ultra-compact UAV design that
integrates lightweight, efficient navigation and autonomy systems capable of
operating covertly in GPS-challenged and contested domains.
Referring to Figures 1 to 8, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a
nano recon drone device (100) is illustrated. The nano recon drone device (100) is
a compact aerial system designed to perform covert reconnaissance tasks with
high agility and autonomy. The assembled form of the nano recon drone device
(100), as illustrated in Figure 2, provides a clear topological arrangement of all the
primary structural and functional components.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes an airframe (10) which is engineered to house and integrate all
functional modules of the drone while maintaining an ultra-lightweight form
factor. The airframe (10) may be fabricated from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer
composites, polycarbonate blends, or advanced lightweight aluminum alloys to
ensure high strength-to-weight ratio, thermal tolerance, and electromagnetic
shielding.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the airframe (10) may be designed in a
modular fashion with clip-lock or sliding compartments to facilitate tool-less

11

access to internal subsystems, thereby enabling rapid maintenance, field repairs,
and component upgrades.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes a propulsion assembly (20) that may be responsible for the drone's
lift, maneuverability, and flight endurance. The propulsion assembly (20) may
comprise a plurality of propellers (21) — typically four or more in a quadrotor or
hexacopter configuration — which are aerodynamically shaped to reduce
turbulence and enhance efficiency. These propellers (21) may be directly coupled
to brushless DC motors (22) known for their high thrust-to-weight ratio and low
electromagnetic noise. Each motor (22) may be controlled through an individual
or grouped electronic speed controllers (ESCs) (23), which receives pulse-width
modulation (PWM) signals from a flight controller (30) to dynamically regulate
speed of the motors (22) during real-time flight adjustments, hover stabilization,
and obstacle avoidance maneuvers.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the flight controller (30) may
be the central command module of the drone (100), orchestrating data flow
between propulsion, navigation, sensors, and control algorithms. It may be
implemented using an embedded microcontroller (e.g., STM32, Pixhawk, or
similar) running real-time operating systems such as PX4 or ArduPilot. The flight
controller (30) may receive one or more data from onboard sensors and remote
operators and makes split-second decisions to maintain altitude, orientation, and
path trajectory.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the flight controller (30) can operate in
full autonomy or respond to pilot input via a communication module (60),
switching seamlessly between manual, semi-autonomous, and autonomous flight
modes.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes a GPS module (40) that may provide satellite-based geolocation
capabilities for outdoor environments. The GPS module (40) can be implemented

12

using GNSS-capable chips supporting multi-band satellite constellations such as
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou. The GPS module (40) may enable
waypoint navigation and path planning and provides positional data used in
conjunction with inertial data for hybrid navigation solutions. In GPS-denied
environments such as tunnels or dense urban areas, the GPS module (40) may
operate in fallback mode, allowing IMU (72) and optical flow sensors (73) within
a sensor module (70) to take over positioning tasks.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes a landing gear assembly (50) that may be a mechanical structure
mounted to the airframe (10), designed to provide safe landing and takeoff by
absorbing shock and maintaining ground clearance for the sensor module (70).
The landing gear assembly (50) may be fixed or retractable and may include one
or more vibration-damping materials to isolate sensitive onboard electronics from
mechanical shock.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the landing gear assembly (50) may
incorporate proximity or contact sensors to detect landing zones or surfaces before
touchdown.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the communication module
(60) may be responsible for telemetry, control signal reception, and data
transmission. The communication module (60) may include encrypted wireless
transceivers that may operate over Wi-Fi, sub-GHz ISM bands (e.g., 915 MHz,
433 MHz), or secured RF links. Depending on mission type and security
requirements, the communication module (60) may also support mesh networking
for swarm operations or point-to-point low-latency streaming. The encryption
protocols used can be AES-256 or RSA-based secure key exchanges, ensuring
data confidentiality and integrity even in adversarial environments.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the sensor module (70) may
be an essential payload responsible for data acquisition and situational awareness.
The sensor module (70) may include one or more EO/IR cameras (71), capable of

13

recording high-resolution visual and thermal imagery in both day and night
conditions. These cameras (71) may be mounted on micro-gimbals to enable pitch
and yaw adjustments.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the EO/IR camera (71) may be
integrated with onboard illuminators such as IR LEDs or laser diodes to enhance
visibility in complete darkness.
Additionally, the sensor module (70) may comprise an inertial measurement unit
(IMU) (72), typically including a 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and
magnetometer, used for orientation sensing.
Further, the sensor module (70) may comprise optical flow sensors (73), based on
visual odometry principles, provide real-time data for estimating displacement and
velocity in GPS-denied environments by tracking surface textures below the
drone.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes a power supply module (P) that may provide electrical power to all
active systems within the drone (100). The power supply module (P) may include
a rechargeable lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery, selected for high energy density,
discharge rate, and weight efficiency. The battery may be connected through an
integrated power distribution board to supply regulated power to the motors (22),
controllers (23), sensor module (70), and onboard processing units.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the power supply module (P) may
include battery management systems (BMS) to monitor voltage levels, cell
temperature, and balance charge cycles, enhancing safety and longevity.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes a data processing module (80) that may comprise one or more AI-
enabled processors (81), also referred as AI models in the disclsoure, such as edge
AI chips (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson Nano, Google Coral TPU), configured to execute
neural network models for object detection, pattern recognition, and predictive

14

analytics. The data processing module (80) may be capable of processing video
feeds and sensor streams locally in real time, eliminating the need for continuous
offloading to remote servers. The AI models may be pre-trained on military or
industrial datasets to recognize threats, personnel, vehicles, or anomalies in
terrain.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processors (81) may dynamically
switch models based on mission type and available bandwidth.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes a data storage module (S) which may be a secure onboard
repository that stores mission data, including sensor readings, telemetry logs,
video footage, and analytical reports. The data storage module (S) may consist of
solid-state memory devices with built-in encryption, such as hardware-encrypted
SD cards or secure NAND flash. The stored data may be encrypted using
symmetric or asymmetric cryptographic schemes, and access is regulated through
authentication protocols.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, data may be automatically synchronized
with a secure base station upon communication link establishment.
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the nano recon drone device
(100) includes a self-destruct module (90) which is a security feature preventing
unauthorized access to sensitive data or drone hardware in case of capture or
compromise. The self-destruct module (90) may comprise a thermal fuse, a micro
explosive charge, or a controlled hardware failure mechanism that physically
destroys the data processing module (80) and data storage module (S) upon
receiving a destruction command. This self-destruct module (90) may be activated
manually by the remote operator or automatically based on logic conditions such
as breach detection, communication jamming, or geofence violation. The self-
destruct module (90) may require dual-verification protocols to prevent accidental
activation during normal operations.

15

In operation, the nano recon drone device (100) is deployed to perform covert
surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions in environments where
traditional reconnaissance systems may be ineffective or impractical. Upon
activation, the power supply module (P), which includes a high-capacity Li-Po
battery, energizes the system, initiating the flight controller (30) and associated
subsystems. The flight controller (30), based on either pre-programmed flight
dynamics or real-time remote commands, calibrates the onboard IMU (72) and
engages the propulsion assembly (20). The ESCs (23) regulate the current flow to
the brushless DC motors (22), which in turn rotate the propellers (21) to achieve
lift and directional stability.
During flight, the GPS module (40) provides continuous geolocation data for
outdoor navigation. In scenarios where GPS signals are weak or unavailable, such
as indoor or underground environments, the drone seamlessly transitions to hybrid
navigation using the IMU (72) and optical flow sensors (73) for inertial and visual
odometry-based localization. Simultaneously, the sensor module (70), particularly
the EO/IR cameras (71), captures high-resolution visual and thermal imagery of
the target environment, even in low-light or night conditions, assisted by
integrated illumination sources.
All collected sensor data is streamed in real time through the communication
module (60), which uses encrypted wireless protocols to maintain secure links
with the ground control unit. In parallel, the data processing module (80),
powered by onboard AI-enabled processors (81), processes the incoming imagery
and sensor signals to identify objects, assess threats, and support autonomous
decision-making. The processed results, including metadata and analytical
overlays, are optionally stored in the data storage module (S), which encrypts the
data for secure retrieval and post-mission analysis.
Throughout the mission, the flight controller (30) dynamically adjusts the drone’s
path based on terrain mapping, detected obstacles, or commands received via the
communication module (60). If the drone encounters a predefined security

16

trigger—such as crossing into unauthorized territory, sustaining critical damage,
or communication jamming—the self-destruct module (90) may be activated. This
module, upon dual verification, destroys sensitive hardware components like the
data processing module (80) and data storage module (S) to prevent information
compromise.
Upon mission completion or battery depletion, the drone (100) either returns to its
predefined home location using GPS waypoints or initiates a controlled landing
sequence. The landing gear assembly (50) ensures a stable touchdown and
protects the sensor payload during descent. The modular design of the airframe
(10) allows for quick battery replacement and component servicing, enabling the
drone to be redeployed with minimal turnaround time. This operational workflow
allows the nano recon drone device (100) to carry out agile, secure, and
autonomous reconnaissance missions across diverse and challenging terrains.
In one exemplary embodiment, the nano recon drone device (100) is deployed in
an urban military reconnaissance scenario, where soldiers require real-time
intelligence on building interiors before advancing. The drone (100) is hand-
launched from behind cover and immediately stabilizes using its propulsion
assembly (20), comprising propellers (21) and brushless DC motors (22), under
the control of the flight controller (30). As it navigates tight corridors and
stairwells, the GPS module (40) temporarily deactivates due to signal loss, and the
drone switches to inertial and optical flow navigation using the IMU (72) and
optical flow sensors (73). The EO/IR camera (71) captures both visible and
thermal images, identifying potential threats behind doors or obstacles. These
images are processed in real time by the onboard data processing module (80),
where AI-enabled processors (81) run object recognition algorithms to detect
human presence and weapon outlines. The findings are securely transmitted via
the communication module (60) to the squad’s handheld device. Upon detecting
adversarial forces or hearing breach alarms, the operator may trigger the self-
destruct module (90) to render the drone inoperable, ensuring no intelligence is
compromised.

17

In another exemplary embodiment, the drone (100) is used during a natural
disaster for post-earthquake search and rescue operations inside collapsed
buildings. The compact design of the airframe (10) allows it to maneuver through
small gaps between debris. The drone is equipped with an extended-range
communication module (60) operating in sub-GHz bands to penetrate through
concrete structures. The EO/IR camera (71) captures thermal signatures of trapped
survivors in low-light or obstructed conditions. Real-time video feeds are
analyzed on-board using AI processors (81) within the data processing module
(80), which classify heat sources and human shapes. Upon locating a survivor, the
GPS module (40) or IMU (72) logs the position, and the information is sent back
to the rescue base. The drone’s battery module (P) is optimized for endurance,
allowing multiple location sweeps in a single flight. All reconnaissance data is
stored in the encrypted data storage module (S) for post-mission verification and
triage planning.
In another exemplary embodiment, the drone (100) is used for critical
infrastructure inspection inside a GPS-denied industrial facility such as a nuclear
plant or a chemical storage site. Operators program the drone to autonomously
patrol pre-defined indoor routes using a map uploaded into the flight controller
(30). The sensor module (70), particularly the optical flow sensors (73), enable the
drone to maintain stable positioning near walls and metallic structures that
typically interfere with wireless signals. The EO/IR camera (71) detects thermal
anomalies in equipment, such as overheating transformers or leaks in pressurized
pipelines. All operational data is locally processed by the AI-enabled data
processing module (80) and stored securely in the data storage module (S). In case
of a detected security breach, such as exposure to hazardous gases or unauthorized
interference with the drone, the self-destruct module (90) is automatically
triggered to protect operational data.
In another exemplary embodiment, the nano recon drone (100) is employed by
law enforcement during hostage or barricade situations. The drone is deployed
discreetly from a safe distance and silently enters a structure using open windows

18

or small ventilation ducts. Its near-silent propulsion system (20) allows it to go
undetected. The sensor module (70) captures high-resolution, stabilized video of
the interior, and the AI-enabled processors (81) flag weapon presence or
aggressive postures of suspects. The live feed is transmitted via the
communication module (60) and viewed in real time by tactical officers. If
compromised or shot down, the drone’s self-destruct module (90) activates to
erase all operational logs from the data storage module (S), ensuring sensitive
video or mission data does not reach adversaries.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to a surveillance-oriented embodiment
where the drone (100) is used in border patrol missions, flying autonomously
along pre-set perimeters during night-time. The GPS module (40) helps maintain
the route outdoors, while EO/IR cameras (71) capture suspicious cross-border
movements. Real-time analytics are performed on-board and the results are
relayed to a central command via the encrypted communication module (60).
Upon detecting anomalies, the drone autonomously zooms in, adjusts its flight
path, and records the intruder’s thermal footprint. The drone returns to its base for
battery swap or data offloading using the modular design of the airframe (10),
enabling continuous operation with minimal turnaround time.
These exemplary embodiments demonstrate the versatility, intelligence, and field-
readiness of the nano recon drone device (100) across military, humanitarian,
industrial, and law enforcement domains. Let me know if you would like further
working examples added for maritime, mining, or agricultural use cases.
Figure 9 illustrates a method (200) for covert reconnaissance using a nano recon
drone device (100). The method (200) includes the following steps.
At step (201), the drone (100) is initialized by activating its power supply module
(P), thereby powering up all integrated systems including the flight controller
(30), communication module (60), and sensor module (70). Upon initialization,
the flight controller (30) establishes baseline calibration for orientation, altitude,
and sensor alignment using data from the IMU (72).

19

At step (202), the flight controller (30) initiates flight based on either predefined
mission parameters or operator input. The propulsion assembly (20), comprising
propellers (21) and brushless DC motors (22) regulated by electronic speed
controllers (23), lifts the drone (100) into the air and begins executing flight
dynamics tailored for stealth and maneuverability.
At step (203), the drone (100) navigates toward the operational zone. When
outdoor, the GPS module (40) guides the flight path using waypoint coordinates.
In GPS-denied environments, the drone automatically switches to hybrid
navigation using the IMU (72) and optical flow sensors (73) to maintain stable
flight and relative positioning.
At step (204), the sensor module (70), including EO/IR cameras (71), begins
capturing real-time reconnaissance data in visual and thermal formats. These
sensors actively scan the environment for potential targets, threats, or anomalies
relevant to the mission.
At step (205), the data collected from the sensor module (70) is analyzed in real
time by the data processing module (80), which houses one or more AI-enabled
processors (81). These processors execute onboard machine learning algorithms to
perform object detection, threat classification, and autonomous decision-making,
such as path adjustments or target tracking.
At step (206), the processed reconnaissance data, along with live video or
imagery, is transmitted to a remote control station via the communication module
(60), which ensures secure and encrypted data transfer under dynamic
environmental conditions.
At step (207), the mission-critical data is simultaneously encrypted and stored in
the onboard data storage module (S), which logs sensor feeds, positional data, and
AI analysis results for later review or mission audit.
At step (208), based on operator command or automated threat detection logic, the
self-destruct module (90) may be triggered. This module is designed to disable or

20

destroy sensitive subsystems such as the data processing module (80) and storage
module (S) to prevent unauthorized access if the drone is compromised.
The implementation set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all
implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they
are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject
matter. Although a few variations have been described in detain above, other
modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or
variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the
implementation described can be directed to various combinations and sub
combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub combinations
of the several further features disclosed above.
In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompany figures and/or described
herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to
achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the
following claims. ,CLAIMS:1. A nano recon drone device (100), comprising:

an airframe (10) configured to support compact aerial flight with
integration of one or more onboard components;
a propulsion assembly (20) comprising a plurality of propellers
(21) operatively connected to one or more brushless DC motors (22),
wherein the said motors (22) being controlled by one or more electronic
speed controllers (ESC) (23);
a flight controller (30) operatively coupled to the propulsion
assembly (20), said flight controller (30) configured to control flight
dynamics based on user commands or autonomous logic;
a GPS module (40) mounted on the drone (100) to provide outdoor
geolocation and assist with autonomous waypoint navigation;
a landing gear assembly (50) fixed to the airframe (10) to enable
soft landing and support ground stability;
a communication module (60) operatively coupled to the flight
controller (30) and configured to enable secure short-range telemetry and
live data transmission;
a sensor module (70), mounted on the drone (100), configured to
collect reconnaissance data in real time;
a power supply module (P) comprising a Li-Po battery housed
within the airframe (10) and electrically coupled to the motors (22),
controller (23), and sensor module (70);
a data processing module (80) comprising one or more AI-enabled
processors (81) configured to analyze at least one input received from the
sensor for object detection, threat prediction, and decision support;
a data storage module (S) configured to encrypt and store mission
data onboard; and
a self-destruct module (90) configured to be selectively triggered
for preventing capture or unauthorized data access.

22

2. The nano recon drone device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
sensor module (70) comprising:
one or more EO/IR cameras (71) with night illumination
functionality configured to capture real-time visual and thermal imagery;
and
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (72) and optical flow sensors
(73) configured for indoor navigation and positioning.
3. The nano recon drone device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
communication module (60) includes an encrypted wireless transceiver
configured for secure real-time control and data streaming.
4. The nano recon drone device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data
processing module (80) executes one or more AI models to perform target
classification and autonomous path decisions based on terrain mapping.
5. The nano recon drone device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the self-
destruct module (90) comprises a thermal or mechanical fuse integrated
into the data processing module (80) and data storage module (S).
6. The nano recon drone device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
airframe (10) supports tool-less access to the power supply module (P),
ESC (23), and flight controller (30).
7. The nano recon drone device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the GPS
module (40) and IMU (72) jointly aid in hybrid navigation between indoor
and outdoor environments.
8. A method (200) for covert reconnaissance using a nano recon drone device
(100), said method (200) comprising steps of:
powering up, by a power supply module (P), a nano recon drone
device (100);
initiating, by a flight controller (30), a pre-defined flight dynamics
based on user commands or autonomous logic;
navigating, using a GPS module (40), through operational zones;

23

capturing, by a sensor module (70), real-time reconnaissance data
in visual and thermal formats;
analyzing, by a data processing module (80), at least one input
received from the sensor module (70) for object detection, threat
prediction, and decision support;
transmitting, via a communication module (60), live data to a
remote control station;
encrypting and storing, in a data storage module (S), mission-
critical data; and
triggering, via a command or logic condition, a self-destruct
module (90) to prevent capture or unauthorized data access.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the method (200)
comprising the step of operating the drone (100) in GPS-denied
environments using optical flow and IMU-based position estimation.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flight path is adjusted
in real time based on obstacle detection using stereo vision or proximity
sensors.
11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the communication link
is encrypted with redundancy protocols to ensure secure data relay under
dynamic signal conditions.
12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the data processing
module (80) executes one or more AI models that is configured to perform
target classification and autonomous path decisions based on terrain
mapping.
13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the drone (100)
automatically returns to a predefined home location upon battery depletion
or mission completion.

24

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein self-destruction is
enabled through dual-verification authentication to avoid unintended
activation.