Sony Airpeak S1 Professional Drone

The lightweight frame and quad 17″ propellers of the Airpeak S1 help it achieve up to 22 minutes of flight time without payload (approximately 12 minutes with payload). Add in high-powered brushless motors, and the Airpeak S1 can move with exceptional speed. This optimized propulsion system can accelerate through shots and reach waypoints at up to 55.9 mph (without payload) and a 0 to 50 mph acceleration of just 3.5 seconds.

Airpeak Base is a web-based app for overall drone project management, primarily providing automated flight planning and flight log storage. Airpeak Base can be implemented with just one Airpeak S1 or a fleet of them. Some management features include reviewing equipment status and usage logs, downloading flight logs from the drone, and setting up error warnings and maintenance reminders.

Separate accounts can be created to increase information security and accountability in aircraft usage. Being a web-based app, all data is conveniently stored in the cloud, so team members can access them from any location. It also helps Sony’s Airpeak S1 customer support team to more efficiently provide problem resolution.

Mission Flight mode utilizes the Projects section of Airpeak Base to let you create automated flight plans that can be created for execution by the pilot with the Airpeak Flight mobile app. You can set the drone’s speed and position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) along a timeline, along with the gimbal direction and timing of image and video capture. This mode can be saved and run repeatedly, just like a camera on rails when you’re on the ground.

Repeat Flight mode accurately recreates old flight paths from flight logs, including gimbal and camera movement. In both Mission Flight and Repeat Flight modes, pilots maintain manual control to tweak the route and settings in the moment.

Airpeak Flight is a mobile app that runs on your optional Apple iPhone or iPad (iOS/iPadOS 14 or higher), giving you aircraft, remote, camera, and gimbal control. While in flight, you can check flight distance, battery usage, and other telemetry. Airpeak Flight can also be used to confirm and execute automated flight plans created by Airpeak Base in Mission Flight mode. During automated flights in Mission Flight mode, pilots retain control of the gimbal and camera, can check aircraft status, monitor equipment, and view a live feed from the nose-mounted FPV camera.

The flight control system and ESC (Electronic Speed Control) integrates the propulsion and various sensing metrics, such as IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), direction, barometric pressure, and infrared ranging. In addition to the five stereo cameras (front, back, left, right, and bottom) and two IR range sensors, the S1 can accurately determine its spatial position and orientation in real time.

This ability allows for reduced camera shake during low-level flying, and it is essential for automatic obstacle avoidance in dense areas or when GNSS reception is not available. If an obstacle is detected, the S1 can enable the obstacle braking function, which auto-decelerates or stops the aircraft if needed. Obstacle braking can also be manually triggered if needed.

• Standard Mode: Ensures all sensors and obstacle detection are on
• Velocity Mode: Reduces effects of wind on hovering, turning, and maneuvering
• On Course Function: Pilots can accomplish accurate recreations of circular flight paths
• All Modes: You can customize maximum speed, angles, acceleration rates, and other parameters

When the battery is low or the remote controller signal is lost, the Return to Home (RTH) feature automatically brings the drone back to its starting point. If obstacles are in the way of a straight flight, the aircraft will intelligently calculate an alternate route. Pilots can also conveniently trigger RTH at the end of a shoot to free them from piloting the aircraft home.

The Airpeak S1 automatically runs a full system check before starting its motor, alerting you to any possible issues and restricting takeoff and landing if these issues are too severe. Self-diagnostics can also be done while in flight, letting pilots know of any issue so they can make an emergency landing if necessary.

The included remote controller provides real-time control over the Airpeak S1 and the optional gimbal. Piloting is done via the twin Futaba-designed control sticks and various aircraft, gimbal, and camera buttons, which can be changed if needed. In addition to that, four customizable buttons can be set to actions that reflect your specific piloting needs. A mobile device holder on the remote can open up to 7″ to accommodate either an Apple iPhone or iPad. To allow for external drone footage monitoring by a product team, use the built-in HDMI port to output video to an optional monitor.

• Supports 345° panning with retractable landing gear (gimbal not included)
• Save time with a hot-swappable battery that lets you change packs without powering down
• Detachable propellers with a quick release mechanism
• Supports Airpeak Plus (paid subscription required) to open up full Airpeak Base functionality, including AirMap and Geofencing
• Supports Airpeak Protect Plan (additional charges apply) to replace drones in the event of accidental damage or malfunction