New Unmanned Helicopter Launched Features Simple Operation

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A small electric helicopter drone platform powered by battery was recently launched. Altus Intelligence’s new ORC2 unmanned helicopter is capable of up to 60 minute flight time.

The advantage of the Altus helicopter platforms is the removal of the complexity that has traditionally come hand in hand with unmanned helicopter operation.

This is highlighted by the very simple and docile flight model that can be taught to any operator regardless of their level of experience or skill, and extends to the service plan that is inclusive in the cost of the helicopter package. The plan incorporates servicing at intervals as well as back to base inspection and repair if necessary for North American customers, soon to be supported in Europe and Asia Pacific.

According to uasvision.com, the ORC2 features the same unique autopilot technology as Altus’ larger water-cooled 70cc twin gasoline engine-powered ORC4 UAS. The autopilot allows both systems to be flown as a multirotor, utilizing the same Ground Control Station across all Altus craft. Flight planning, automated mission execution and telemetry are all handled simply and quickly via a touchscreen tablet interface coupled with a set of controls for GPS assisted flight. The system features secure long range communications and of course provides complete data and location security with no sharing of the operators’ proprietary information.

The ORC2 has been optimized to carry a useful payload of Lidar and gimbaled sensor for photogrammetry, running just two 6S batteries.

Altus has been demonstrating the ORC2 in the United States this August to a select group of customers and the response has been very encouraging.