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It is the beginning of 2017 and drones, and their related technology, are coming off an explosive year of growth in both popularity and innovation.  The FAA estimates that 2.5 million consumer drones were unwrapped during the past holiday season.  To further prove the popularity growth, the FAA also announced that there are currently more drones registered through their registration program than there are registered manned aircraft!  Today’s consumer drones are now capable of capturing images that are equivalent in quality to DSLR camera systems and include sensors that allow for active collision avoidance. 

Because of the rise of the consumer drone, more people are beginning to realize the endless practical uses for this technology.  However, while that is indeed true, there are people and companies in the industry who pioneered the technology.  Long before companies like DJI or 3D Robotics had even formed, there were individuals building versions of what is available now at your local Wal-Mart.

One of those companies is Advanced Aerials Inc., based in northern Virginia.  Advanced Aerials was founded in 1994 by Bert Wagner.  That is almost twenty years before the release of the first DJI Phantom!  Bert founded Advanced Aerials because he recognized the need for a more affordable method to photograph properties from the air.  With that goal in mind, he set to work building his first aircraft which  consisted of a gas powered RC helicopter and a 35mm film camera.  There were no programmed flight controllers and the radio used operated on the FM band.   The entire setup was hand built and required some serious skill to operate.

Advanced Aerials went on to provide aerial images for many customers.  They were the first company to work hand in hand with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and photograph Dulles International while it was operating.  Yes, while planes were taking off and landing.  They provided aerial surveys for construction companies as well as property developers.  As the component technology improved, so did Advanced Aerials aircraft.  With the improvement in available components, Bert began to envision his aircraft being used for more than providing pretty pictures.  He wanted to make a difference, contribute something meaningful.

That leads us to Advanced Aerials today.  Bert and his team have become a leader in rapid prototyping UAV technology for a customer whom they have served for more than fifteen years.  Working with their customer, Advanced Aerials are working hard to design products that will save lives.  Much of what they work on cannot be described here.  Suffice it to say that the range of products they have built so far will be put into use by soldiers and first responders and will result in many lives saved.

Advanced Aerials is an example of a company using today’s technology to provide innovative, easy to use systems for more than photographs or fun flying.  They, and companies like them, are the future of drone technology.  With their help, we will see a myriad of products that will secure and enrich our lives.

Do you have an idea that you would like to see in working form?  Advanced Aerials welcomes all inquiries from potential customers who want to see their ideas come to life.  They can be reached via their website, www.a2usa.com