Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Sony unveils Airpeak S1, its first-ever professional drone

Sony has launched its first-ever professional drone, the Airpeak S1. The new Sony Airpeak S1 drone is the world’s smallest drone that can be equipped with a full-size mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha camera and is faster than, for example, the DJI Inspire 2.

The Sony Airpeak S1 has a motor, propellers, control system, and detection technology developed by the company itself that allows it to offer great flight stability to be able to capture good content and achieves a speed of from standstill to 49.7 mph (80 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, without a payload.

The drone has a top speed of 55.9 mph (90 km/h), a maximum angular velocity of 180°/s, and an attitude angle up to 55°. The company claims that it can resist wind speeds of up to 44.7 mph (over 70 km/h) and is capable of staying in the air for up to 22 minutes per battery charge.

In addition to the lightweight, highly efficient, sturdy, and responsive proprietary 17″ propeller and brushless motor, the Airpeak S1 is equipped with an ESC (Electric Speed Controller) for optimal control of these components. A unique, high-performance flight control system integrates the propulsion device and all sensor information to ensure a stable flight and high maneuverability.

The Airpeak S1 uses Multi-directional sensors to enable its obstacle braking function. Stereo cameras equipped with Sony’s image sensors are installed in 5 locations (front, back, left, right, bottom) of the aircraft. The cameras and infrared range-finding sensor recognize obstacles in the vicinity of the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to automatically decelerate and stop according to the behavior of the aircraft and the surrounding conditions.

Additionally, Airpeak S1 features an advanced remote controller that can support the production of high-quality aerial images and freely control the aircraft. It also includes obstacle detection, automatic flight control via sensing, and increased safety via cloud management of the aircraft and flight information.

The new professional drone includes “Airpeak Flight,” an iOS and iPadOS compatible application that integrates the aircraft, transmitter, camera, and gimbal. The app allows the operator to monitor status information such as flight distance and remaining battery power and change various operations and settings on the screen. The web application called Airpeak Base is also available to manage equipment, create flight plans for automated flight, and keep flight logs. The operator can also check aircraft and travel direction courtesy of the tilt-operated 8 MP FPV camera aboard the drone.

The new Airpeak S1 suggested retail price is approximately $9,000 and will include two pairs of propellers, a remote controller, two batteries, and a battery charger. It will be available for pre-order and ship to customers in the fall of 2021.