After a catastrophic Tennessee explosion scattered unexploded ordnance across a wide area, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deployed Vesper to monitor the blast zone and protect responders during a several-day, multi-agency response.
When a catastrophic industrial explosion struck rural Tennessee, investigators discovered that thousands of pounds of unexploded ordnance had been scattered across the surrounding area.
The blast created an unstable and dangerous environment for emergency responders, investigators, and nearby civilians. Monitoring the site required securing a wide perimeter while avoiding the risk of secondary explosions.
For the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the challenge was clear: gain situational awareness across a hazardous blast zone without exposing personnel to unnecessary danger.
To support the multi-agency response, the department deployed Vesper to provide aerial intelligence, identify hazards, and coordinate operations from a safe distance during one of the most dangerous emergency responses in the region's history.
In the hours following the explosion, investigators determined that approximately 10,000 pounds of RDX–TNT charges had been scattered across the surrounding area. The small neon-green containers—often described as resembling “hockey pucks”—were dispersed across wooded terrain, roadways, and access trails surrounding the facility.
Many of the charges remained hot for days after the blast, presenting an ongoing risk of secondary explosions and creating a hazardous environment for responders working at the scene.
The response quickly expanded into a multi-agency effort involving federal investigators and regional partners from Humphreys, Hickman, Hardin, and Chattanooga counties. Maintaining situational awareness across such a large and complex area became a critical operational challenge.
Traditional ground patrols alone could not safely or efficiently monitor the entire blast zone.
Aerial intelligence became essential.
CCSO deployed Vesper to support the response.
The platform provided several capabilities that proved critical in the field:
Blue UAS–cleared and NDAA compliant, meeting the security and supply chain standards required for federal and public safety procurement.
Operating just 0.2 miles from the blast site, Vesper was quickly airborne, delivering real-time aerial visibility across the disaster zone with limited connectivity and 8 to 15 mph winds. From above, responders monitored the perimeter, identified hazards, and tracked evolving conditions without added risk to personnel.
As the response extended into nighttime operations, Vesper’s thermal imaging capabilities became critical. Investigators were able to detect heat signatures, locate potential hotspots, and maintain visibility in low-light conditions—capabilities that would have been difficult or impossible to achieve from the ground alone.
Throughout the multi-day response, Vesper provided consistent aerial intelligence to support decision-making.
Its long endurance allowed for persistent coverage, while a low acoustic signature supported discreet operation during sensitive investigations.
The deployment provided several measurable advantages for responders and investigators.
Improved responder safety
Aerial monitoring reduced the need for personnel to enter hazardous areas containing unexploded ordnance, in turn saving time, money, and lives.
Enhanced situational awareness
Thermal imagery revealed structural details and potential hazards even days after the explosion.
Greater operational efficiency
Rapid aerial sweeps allowed responders to monitor large areas of terrain with fewer personnel autonomously.
Discreet monitoring capability
Low acoustic signature enabled nighttime monitoring without disrupting ongoing investigative operations.