This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association.
Aichi-based Prodrone introduces the PD4B-MS prototype, built entirely with domestic suppliers, as the first model under its new SAMURAI TECH brand.
Japanese industrial drone developer Prodrone has unveiled the PD4B-MS, an all-Japan industrial drone prototype assembled with core components sourced from domestic manufacturers. The Aichi-based company says the aircraft is the inaugural model under its new “SAMURAI TECH by Prodrone” brand, a trademark application now in process.
According to the company, the launch responds to geopolitical supply chain risks affecting critical infrastructure operators. Concerns over component sourcing have intensified across the global drone sector, including recent U.S. export restrictions on Red Cat and FCC trusted-supplier requirements reported earlier this month.
Domestic suppliers behind the all-Japan industrial drone
Prodrone says it co-developed and selected each core component with a Japanese partner. Canon Electronics supplies the motors and ESCs. JTEKT provides the flight controller. Furukawa Battery supplies the battery, and TKK Works provides the transmitter and receiver. Prodrone manufactures the airframe, propellers, and GPS antenna in-house.
The company notes that “all-Japan” refers to domestic design and production. Some raw materials and semiconductors are sourced overseas where domestic procurement is not feasible.
PD4B-MS specifications
According to the release, the PD4B-MS weighs 7.8 kg (17.2 lb) without battery and reaches a top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph). The aircraft tolerates winds up to 12 m/s (27 mph) and operates between -20°C and +40°C (-4°F to 104°F). Maximum flight time is approximately 25 minutes without payload and 20 minutes with a 3 kg (6.6 lb) payload. Prodrone says energy-efficiency research is ongoing and upgrades will follow. The current aircraft is a concept model, and a production version will be announced separately.
A national strategy framing
President Shunsuke Toya tied the launch to Japan’s designation of drones as a “Specified Important Material” under the Economic Security Promotion Act late last year. He said the designation “means drones are critical to social infrastructure and defense” and that Prodrone is “strongly advancing the construction of a domestic manufacturing base and supply chain to support this national strategy.”
Toya described the PD4B-MS as the result of that effort, calling it an aircraft “with every component made in Japan.” He said the company will “rapidly establish mass production and begin selling a safe and secure ‘Made in Japan’ product in Japan and worldwide.” Toya added that the SAMURAI TECH brand is intended to symbolize “Japan’s precision technology and indomitable spirit” as Prodrone works to contribute to “the safety of the next-generation skies.”
Prodrone says its vision is to become “the most trusted drone company in the region” and to build a drone ecosystem in Japan’s Chubu region. Existing models include the PD6B-Type3 multicopter, with a recommended payload of 20 kg (44 lb), and the long-range Prodrone GT-M, which the company says has flown 100 km (62 mi) in testing.
More information is available at Prodrone.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.