A professional drone manufacturer, FlyTech UAV recently presented the unique VTOL solution, which is an upgrade to their flagship fixed-wing BIRDIE.
Just like the most other fixed-wing drones, FlyTech’s BIRDIE is faster and more energy-efficient than a quadcopter when in forward flight. And hence the drone is well-suited for the tasks like the aerial mapping of large areas. However, it requires a flat, smooth, open space for landing, while the others can land and take off on the spot, on rough terrain.
Now, it comes with detachable extension modules that make it literally two systems in one. These extension modules can be attached and detached at any time, giving the user flexibility of use. The upgrade gives more possibilities to UAV BIRDIE users, as they are free to choose between fixed-wing and VTOL, depending on terrain conditions.
FlyTech’s new module was designed to give the company’s BIRDIE fixed-wing drone those same combined qualities, but only when needed. Because the extra gear on VTOLs does add weight, energy-use, and complexity.
The extension module is recommended to use only when it is not possible to use fixed-wing due to hard surfaces, lack of proper take-off and landing space.
The module actually made of two components, both features two arms with a horizontal prop at the end. This causes the handheld remote control to automatically switch over to VTOL flight mode. It can be attached between the body and wings of the plane only within a few seconds. The dedicated flight controller adjusts the flight mode automatically. And hence the plane takes off vertically – fully autonomously, then converts to the horizontal flight, follows the mission pattern and finally – lands vertically wherever you want.
Importantly, the module is used without the loss of data quality – for both BIRDIE fixed-wing and VTOL you can achieve the accuracy up to 3 cm and the resolution up to 1 cm/px. The module gives a possibility to use a drone in a demanding environment, e.g. in a forest, mountains, rocks, etc.
Drone BIRDIE by FlyTech UAV is a complete mapping solution. The set consists of the fixed-wing platform (now with optional VTOL extensions), dedicated flight controller, PPK, full-frame camera and GSM connectivity for unlimited flight range. It is available in classic fixed-wing version and can be upgraded to VTOL at any time after the purchase.
Pricing for the standard Birdie starts at €15,000 (about US$16,969). The company is now taking pre-orders for the VTOL module. To learn more about the BIRDIE system, visit the FlyTech UAV website here.