The official presentation of VR Spark 350 will take place at DroneShow Ferrara 28/29 March 2015.
The latest revisions of VR Spark 350, currently undergoing certification, will be presented on a confidential basis to some selected beta testers at the 2015 FIAPR convention.
VR Spark 350 was born after a year full of experiments, where we worked on improving electronic technologies, mechanical design, usability for end user and the possibility to be used for commercial purposes respecting regulation rules that govern the use of drones in the civil aviation world.
We implemented control systems and flight termination to ensure compliance with the Italian and French rules and to achieve high levels of safety and reliability. It has a maximum take off weigh under 1.6 Kg. (3.4 pounds) to take advantage of the imminent FAA and European regulations that will enable smaller drones to fly in restricted areas.
We are currently undergoing experimentation to achieve Italian and French approval for commercial use, and plan to start selling in April.
VR Spark 350 main applications are:
- low budget filmography.
- safety and rescue.
- Video inspection .
- Marketing (drones branded for promotion - delivery -)
- Automatic features as follow me through VR platform Leash. (Action Sports)
- Photogrammetry.
- Training schools for professional pilots.
- Suitable for drones startups company and research projects (eg H2020).
This multi role machine aims to enter as a protagonist in the business services using drones.
It has all the features to aspire to be the Italian answer to the Chinese DJI Phantom. The semplicity and portability of a DJI Phantom, but with so many more payload options and flexibility!
Technical Specification:
Frame configuration : Multicopter Quad .
Propeller: 9x4.5
Motors: 980 KV
Time of flight 18 min.
Weight : 1.6 kg al decollo.
Flight Control : VR Brain 5.2 PRO ( VR SPARK CUSTOMIZATION)
GPS : VR GPS 8 GNSS dual mode navigation system GPS / GLONASS.
Flight Termination System : VR Flight Stop PRO Power Cutoff + Parachute. (option)
Radio Link:
Primario: SBUS FRSKY X4R
Secondario: Terminatore di volo : PPMSUM FRSKY D4R
Telemetry:
FRSKY S.PORT.
VR Link 868 / 915 (Mavlink telemetry module)
VR OSD ( Video overlay main telemetry information : attitude , GPS , Battery)
Standard Payload 2 Axis Brushless Gimbal + GoPro 4 Hero Black.
PAYLOAD Option Max Weight ( 500 gr)
Battery 3S 4000 Mah.
It is thanks to the work of a large community made up of people with great competence, passion and technological skill that this project has seen the light.
Thanks to Virtualrobotix and the APM:Copter DEV team which has done an excellent job bringing this platform to high levels that was, in its infancy, within the reach of only a few experts.
Now after extensive work on the simplification and usability, so many more professionals can enjoy the flexibility and power of this platform.
for info contact : info@virtualrobotix.com
original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/we-decide-the-date-of-the-official-presentation-of-the-vr-spark-3
Comments
Roberto,
I assume that this is aimed squarely at the professional user. At $3.8k for a base model quadcopter (with a parachute) and no transmitter, no gimbal) it is priced far, far, far above anything in the consumer /prosumer market. It may not be fair but I reckon that is about 2 DJI Inspire's (not that I would want even 1 of those). Don't get me wrong, I hope you sell as many as them as you want. I am not sure any hobbyists will be among your customers.
Hi Julien ,
In last revision of VR Flight Stop we control the Parachute . The EU rules required a totally indipendent system respect of Flight Control system for Flight Termination .
Thanks Emile and Roberto for details.
I can't believe a safety rule requires to stop the power in flight! I would have thought of a controlled or even uncontrolled landing (by reducing the throttle) but not just switching it off... more dangerous than falling from the lack of battery finally as the esc in last case will just lower the output power but not switch off totally.
Awsome job. The frame is cool and still has a "VR-look". Good Flying quality and surely the control is of great quality. We look forward to hear the price
Julien, in Italy you have to ensure you never go out the buffer zone (200m. radius around the pilot, and 70m. high) whatever happens. The only way to do this is to have an independent elctronics (or mechanics) that enables you to switch off the drone in mid air.
France regulation also requires you to terminate the flight if you loose control.
It's quite drastic, I know, but necessary.
The device we are working on has 3 connections (1 Pilot radio, 1 Operator radio, 1 telemetry radio) if in an extreme event all three links fall, the flight stop will cut off power from the motors.
Otherwise you can switch off the drone with a switch from either the pilot's radio, the operator's radio or via a Mavlink cabable device.
E.
Hi Robert,
I am looking for drones to carry out painting jobs for telecommunication towers can VR Spark 350 carry out these tasks? I love to have one of these devices.
Appreciated early reply as I am in the progress of discussions with Telco operators.
Rick.
Hi Julien ,
the final price is not already available if you need more info contact me by skype account is : virtualrobotix .
About the termination system if you check the new rules in france for professional application you can found this requirement. It's a total indipendent device on the drone that control the automatically or manually the status of the drone and if it is necessary stop the flight of the drone and open a parachute.
It normally cut the main power to the drone when the pilot or co pilot need to stop the flight of drone. Or when the pilot lost the datalink with the drone.
best
Roberto
Great job Roberto!
any idea of final price?
What do you mean by flight termination system?
@DB in actual configuration with gimbal and camera we are 1.1 kg with a 4000 ma 3s battery .... and the time of flight is 18 min.
best
Roberto
@Gary
In EU for work in critical area is mandatory the flight termination system , VR Spark was developed around this concept . We are testing some parachute option togheter with flight stop. VR Flight Stop is a new VR Product.
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