- 1 Introduction
- 2 About Airpeak
- 3 Features
- 4 Package contents
- 5 Specification
- 5.1 Drone
- 5.2 Sensor System
- 5.3 Transmission system
- 5.4 Propellers
- 5.5 Landing feet
- 5.6 FPV camera
- 5.7 Recommended payload
- 5.8 Recommended suspension for payload
- 5.9 Notes
- 5.10 APP
- 5.11 Web App
- 6 Appearance
- 7 The developer about the drone
- 8 Power plant and flight controller
- 9 Wind resistance
- 10 Autonomy
- 11 Landing Support
- 12 Visual Positioning
- 13 Obstacle Avoidance System
- 14 Improved flight stability at low altitudes
- 15 Smallest drone for mirrorless cameras
- 15.1 Recommended cameras and lenses
- 15.2 Recommended suspension
- 16 Mob. Airpeak Flight App
- 17 Remote Control
- 17.1 Pair Control Mode
- 18 Additional Flight Modes
- 19 Airpeak Base Web Application
- 19.1 Flight Planning
- 19.2 Precise execution of the previous route
- 19.3 Auto Return to Home
- 19.4 Self Diagnosis
- 20 Cloud Data Management
- 20.1 Airpeak Plus Cloud Service
- 21 Airpeak Protection Plan
- 22 Availability and Pricing
Introduction
Sony Corporation at CES2021, as part of its unmanned project in the field of robotics with artificial intelligence, presented the first drone - Airpeak S1 (ARS-S1). The developer positions the vehicle as the smallest class of UAVs in the industry, which can be equipped with various video systems, in particular the professional Alpha system, and is capable of performing dynamic shooting and accurate, stable flight.
About the Airpeak project
Sony Airpeak is a new brand / project launched by the company with the aim of further developing modern drone technologies with maximum efficiency. In the spring of 2021, as the first phase of this project, the company launched a new business focused on professional photo and video production.
Developer about the Airpeak project: “By combining our knowledge of imaging and sensing technologies with robotics with artificial intelligence, we open the sky as an endless playground for creativity where there is unprecedented freedom. "
Features
- Flight weight (without battery and payload) 3.144 kg
- The world's smallest drone capable of carrying a full-frame mirrorless Alpha6 series camera
- Versatile compatibility with various Alpha series camera systems
- Engineered from the ground up with Sony's unique flight control system
- 17-inch Lightweight Quick Release Propellers
- Sony's 5-way Obstacle Sensing System (Front, Rear, Left, Right, Bottom), developed from the ground up, consisting of stereo cameras, IR range sensor and Sony Vision Sensing Processor) with a unique algorithm providing a three-dimensional perception of the surrounding world in real time
- Able to ensure stable flight indoors or outside the coverage area of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
- Equipment and the unique braking function when colliding with obstacles thanks to the possibility of multidirectional recognition
- Configurable modes and functions of automatic flight and shooting
- Retractable landing legs for an unobstructed view of the camera
- Max. level flight speed (without payload) 90 km / h
- Max. angular velocity 180 ° / s
- Max. tilt angle up to 55 °
- Max. flight time 22 min (achieved in calm weather at a flight speed of 32 km / h without payload)
- Max. flight time with camera (Sony a7SIII lens Sony SEL24F14GM) 12 min
- Max. FPV Offset Distance 2 km
- Max.wind resistance 20 m / s
- Onboard FPV camera
- Support for separate control in the "Dual Operation Mode" for independent control of the drone and gimbal / camera
- Universal control equipment Sony RCR -VH1 that allows you to simultaneously control the drone, the camera gimbal, the camera itself, as well as broadcast the image from the on-board camera in real time
- The ability to hot swap the battery
- Mobile application "Airpeak Flight"
- Web application Airpeak Base
Package
The developer mentions the only configuration, which will include:
- 1 × drone Airpeak S1
- 2 × LBP-HS1 battery
- 1 × LBG-H1 charger
- AC adapter for charger
- Power cable for charger
- PPL1785 Propellers (2CW / 2CCW)
- Calibration Pad
- Remote control RCR-VH1
- AC adapter (for charging the remote control)
- Power cable for adapter
- Power cable (drone - gimbal)
- Control cable (drone - gimbal)
- USB Type-C cable (drone - gimbal)
- Micro USB cable (stabilizer - camera)
- USB Type-C cable (stabilizer - camera)
The gimbal and the camera are purchased separately based on the user's goals and objectives.
Specification
Drone
Sensor system
Visualization of the surrounding world
System transmission
Propellers
Landing feet
FPV camera
Recommended payload
Camera
Lens
Recommended Payload Gimbal
Notes
When shooting with a wide-angle lens, the drone may partially enter the frame. To avoid contact with the mounting posts or the ground, it is recommended to use compatible lenses up to 100mm in length.
When connecting the camera to the gimbal, use the USB-C cable for models with USB-C port. With some lenses, it may be necessary to reverse the cable pull direction or lengthen the cable.
Some functions may not be available with certain camera models or firmware versions.
APP
iPad: iPad Pro 11-inch (3- 1st generation) * 2, 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) * 2, 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation) * 2, 10.5-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), 9.7-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), iPad Air (4th generation) * 2, iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (8th generation), iPad (7th generation)), iPad (6th generation)
Notes: * 1 Some cameras may not be compatible with all features of this app.
* 2 Operation in accordance with MFi program is not guaranteed.
Web App
Appearance
* Camera and gimbal are not included in the package and must be purchased separately.
The developer about the drone
The Airpeak system is designed to expand the user's creativity by providing full access to the drone's declared potential. Airpeak S1 interacts with a remote control, app and cloud service that operate in a single ecosystem with one goal - to create a high-performance drone system. Airpeak is versatile and easy to use, from piloting and camera operation to flight programming and data management.
Powerplant and Flight Controller
The Airpeak S1 powerplant is designed by Sony engineers to achieve maximum performance and energy efficiency. At the heart of the power plant are powerful and at the same time lightweight brushless motors working in tandem with 17-inch quick-detachable propellers, which made it possible to obtain maximum output power with minimal energy loss. Closing the tandem is electronic speed control (ESC), which in this machine interact with the entire flight system to ensure maximum flight efficiency. Thanks to the interaction of the power plant with information from the sensors involved in the drone system, it was possible to achieve indicative stability and high accuracy of flight control.
Wind resistance
The propellers, motor and ESC that make up the propulsion system, combined with a dedicated remote control, have achieved optimum wind resistance. The Airpeak S1 can withstand wind speeds of up to 20 m / s and can maintain stable flight in gusty winds at various altitudes, as well as in strong (coastal) winds at low altitudes. For an illustrative example, we recommend watching the video below, which demonstrates testing an ARS-S1 drone in a wind tunnel
Autonomy
The Airpeak S1 is capable of a maximum flight time of 22 minutes without payload, or up to 12 minutes with a heavy payload such as Sony α7S III cameras. with Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM lens. It is also known that the system has received support for hot swapping of batteries, thereby allowing you to change the battery without the need to turn off the drone, reducing downtime.
The declared autonomy was achieved when flying above sea level, in calm weather, at a cruising speed of 32 km / h. The drone is powered by two rechargeable batteries.
Landing feet
The Airpeak S1 received retractable landing feet, which are automatically brought to a horizontal position during the takeoff of the drone and thus do not interfere with the view of the camera. When landing, they also lower in auto mode to their original landing position.
Visual positioning
Thanks to 5-sided imaging (front, back, left, right, bottom) through the involved stereo cameras, the entire visual information is fed to a high-speed processor (Sony Vision Sensing Processor), which processes it using a patented algorithm. By integrating this information into an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), compass, atmospheric pressure and infrared sensors, the Airpeak S1 is capable of real-time positioning with incredible accuracy, even in confined spaces or out of range of GNSS satellite systems.
Obstacle Avoidance System
ten multidirectional stereo cameras working in tandem with an infrared sensor. And for greater safety, they added an automatic deceleration and braking function, which allows the car to intuitively react to the environment in different situations. Plus, this function has received flexible settings, thanks to which you can use it in both automatic and manual modes, and you can also limit obstacle detection in certain directions or completely disable the braking function.
Improved flight stability at low altitudes
High-precision sensors and advanced flight algorithm allow Airpeak S1 to accurately recognize the environment, its position and position, thereby minimizing any swaying / vibration at low altitudes. The Airpeak S1 is able to fly smoothly and safely through woodlands and hard-to-detect obstacles, delivering stable output even with the most difficult close-ups.
Smallest drone for mirrorless cameras
Thanks to a specially designed powerful motor and compact frame, the drone is able to carry a camera system (including gimbal) weighing up to 2.5 kg. Fully compatible with the Alpha series full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Airpeak S1 opens up even more possibilities for professional creators.
Featured Cameras and Lenses
The Airpeak S1 is compatible with a wide range of cameras and lenses, allowing creators to choose the ideal configuration based on their goals and objectives.
- Powerful low-light cameras such as the α7SFX3
- The high-resolution cameras of the α7R
- The α9
- The α1
In terms of lenses, the Airpeak S1 is compatible with some fixed E-mount lenses.
Recommended gimbal
The developer offers the Gremsy "T3 for Airpeak" gimbal as a special accessory for the Airpeak S1. Gremsy "T3 for Airpeak" is an exclusive solution for this drone based on the most advanced 3-axis camera gimbal Gremsy T3 (version 3). The T3 for Airpeak version is fully compatible with the Alpha series cameras. Equipped with a quick release mechanism. Thanks to the integrated temperature-controlled IMU, it allows precise control of the gimbal at any temperature. By the way, the developer notes that thanks to the built-in Bluetooth function, the setup process will never be tedious.
The developer notes that the parameters of the Gremsy gimbal may need to be calibrated when using certain camera and lens settings.
Mob. Airpeak Flight
Airpeak Flight is a mobile application for comprehensive monitoring and control of drone, remote control, camera and gimbal. The application is designed to optimize flight, from checking flight range and using batteries to adjusting camera parameters. Airpeak Flight is fully compatible with Alpha Series full-frame mirrorless cameras, allowing you to adjust your camera while in flight. The Airpeak Flight app can be used in both manual and automatic flight modes. For example, in Mission Flight mode, the application can be used to confirm a route, complete a mission, check the status of the drone and payload.
Remote Control
Designed for professionals, this remote control combines superior functionality with a user-friendly design. Thanks to the tandem remote control, a smartphone or tablet, the Airpeak Flight mobile application allows you to control the drone, gimbal and camera in real time. It has four customizable buttons, and the control buttons for the drone, camera and gimbal can also be reassigned if necessary. It is also designed to fit comfortably in your hand. Control sticks are implemented in the image and likeness of sticks from the Futaba corporation, which is popular among UAV pilots. The mobile device holder provides a maximum size of 178.5mm, making it compatible with smartphones and tablets. It also features an HDMI port for connecting to an external display.
Dual Operation Mode
Dual Operation Mode - allows the pilot to control the drone and the cameraman to control the gimbal and camera separately from each other, which provides more precise control in difficult shooting conditions. For example, using the FPV camera installed on board the drone, the pilot will be able to control the drone, while the camera operator will fully concentrate on the shooting process. Moreover, when two operators use the remote controls, sticks and buttons are automatically assigned to the pilot and camera operator, respectively.
Advanced Flight Modes
The Airpeak S1 features several different flight modes to make flying and creativity even easier. The standard Velocity Mode has been redesigned. This mode differs from the normal Position Mode in that it reduces the influence of wind and external influences during hovering, turning and maneuvering, which makes it easier to repeat flight routes with the greatest accuracy. By enabling the On Course Function, the pilot can easily achieve accurate and flawless reproduction of the circular flight path.
Each flight mode allows you to adjust the maximum speed, angles, acceleration and other parameters. Whether it's speed and power, or smoothness and stability, pilots will be able to choose the flight mode that suits them best to ensure optimal performance. The Airpeak S1 also has a Standard Mode in its arsenal, in which all sensors, including obstacle detection, are enabled by default for safe and stable flight.
Airpeak Base Web Application
Airpeak Base is a web application used to efficiently organize projects using a drone or even a fleet of drones. Planning a detailed flight route, uploading flight logs from a drone to view past flight data, or creating a new flight plan from past flight logs are all possible with this corporate application. Airpeak Base can also be used to view equipment status and usage logs, and set up error alerts and service reminders to reduce the risk of unexpected operational problems. If necessary, separate accounts can be created and configured to control the drone, which will provide better data protection.
Flight Planning
The Airpeak Base web application is optimized to the maximum for professionals in their field and will allow you to easily implement even the most complex flight plan. For example, in Mission Flight mode, the operator can set the speed and position of the drone (latitude, longitude, altitude) in accordance with the timeline, as well as indicate the direction of the gimbal and the camera operation time for capturing video and photos. All these and other settings are relevant not only for straight, but also for winding routes. Plus, the drone can be programmed to repeat the same path and recreate the route every time with flawless accuracy.
Precise execution of the previous route
Repeat Flight mode will allow the operator to recreate the flight path from the log, including gimbal and camera movements ideal for continuous fixed-point shooting or when accurately reproducing the same flight path multiple times. Moreover, manual control is active during the execution of a programmed or repeated flight, which allows operators to adjust the route or change the suspension angle directly during the flight.
Auto Return to Home
Return to Home (RTH) is activated both automatically if the battery is low or communication is lost, or and manually. In either case, the drone will safely return to the takeoff location. And if the return route is limited by airspace or obstacles, the drone can automatically calculate a detour route. The Return to Home feature is also handy for safely returning the drone to the takeoff site at the end of an aerial survey.
Self-diagnosis
Airpeak S1 automatically performs a full system check before starting up. It will alert the pilot of any potential problems and restrict takeoff and landing if necessary. The Airpeak S1 can also perform self-diagnostics during flight and can immediately notify the pilot if there is a problem and make an emergency landing if necessary.
Data Management in the Cloud
The drone data is uploaded to the cloud and can be viewed via the Airpeak Base web application... The status information of multiple drones can be checked in one place, allowing for more efficient flight preparation and planning. Airpeak Base also maintains logs of past flights so that error data can be checked after the operation of the UAV. And because Airpeak S1 customer support is cloud-coordinated, downloading data from flight logs can provide an efficient and quick solution to issues.
Airpeak Plus cloud service
Paid service "Airpeak Plus" provides comfortable operation of Airpeak S1. The subscriber gets access to all functions of the Airpeak Base web application, as well as expanding cloud storage and extending the storage period of flight logs. Detailed information on the Airpeak Plus service, its content, tariffs and methods of purchase will be announced shortly.
Airpeak Protect Plan
Airpeak Protect Plan - Ensures protection against accidental damage or malfunction. In the near future, Sony will provide all comprehensive information about this service to replace the product with a new or refurbished one (of the same quality / functionality) for an additional fee, even in the event of accidental damage or malfunction.
Availability and Pricing
The Airpeak S1 is not currently being marketed. According to official information, the start of sales is scheduled for autumn 2021. The standard and only kit for today, which includes a drone, two batteries, a charger and a remote control, was estimated by the developer at $ 9,000. As a reminder, this kit does not include the gimbal and camera, which are sold separately.
That's all for us, but we will continue to monitor the incoming information and will timely enter it into this review. If you have something to say on the topic, leave your comments below. And stay with us! To keep abreast of all the latest news about the best drones, rumors, announcements and reviews, and also follow us in our VK group.
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