Commercial drone solutions are emerging for “drone-in-a-box“ or drone “Dock” systems. These typically combine a drone with a protective housing, embedded charging, wireless connectivity, and remote or automated flight command and control. Conceptionally, these systems promise hardware that utilities could deploy and leave in place. This may improve the drone business case for long-distance, very remote, or high-priority situational awareness needs. While the potential applications are clear, there is little experience with these technologies, making it difficult for utilities to understand how to deploy this technology. This research aims to fill that knowledge and experience gap through controlled laboratory testing. In this project, EPRI intends to install and operate Docks at the EPRI Transmission and Distribution Laboratory in Lenox, MA. Lenox is a high voltage, outdoor laboratory with transmission, distribution, substation, and other outdoor environments. EPRI’s test plan is designed to evaluate the feasibility of using Docks for multiple utility applications. This project will recreate testing scenarios specific to key utility applications that may be suited for this technology. These scenarios could mimic routine operations, emergency assessments, teleoperated remote missions, and even fully autonomous, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions.