, a Berlin-based company specialising in developing and marketing UAS for professional purposes, has recently launched the Songbird 1400. This UAS combines the pros of both the fixed wing and the chopper in one and the same aircraft.
Basically the aircraft is a fixed wing but the four rotors are not mounted rigidly on the wings; the blades can rotate from the vertical pose, normal for a fixed wing, to horizontal. The horizontal pose provides the aircraft a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) ability as if it were a copter.
With a wing span of over 3 metres and maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 7.8kg the UAS can take flight with wind speeds up to 6 Beaufort (13 m/sec) and stay in the air for over one hour, provided that the copter facility is only used for launch and landing. Hovering and other copter-like manoeuvres during data capture consume the same amount of energy as a copter, reducing air time. Unlike other fixed wings, the hybrid does not require a runway, catapult or parachute. This reduces the risk of damage to on-board sensors and other components. The UAS can carry two sensors, e.g. a TIR sensor and an RGB camera, simultaneously.
The SONGBIRD 1400 comes as a kit with the Click&Fly-feature, an advanced autopilot that allows a single operator to complete missions easily after a short training period. Highly skilled RC Pilots are not needed.
The robust and compact transport box can be carried on the backseat of a car or by a single person.
The Songbird can be mounted in 10 minutes by a single operator. Due to the combination of a short setup time and a long flight time, the SONGBIRD is a very efficient tool that ensures a high Return On Investment (ROI).
Source: Website