Watch this VTOL Upgrade to Fixed-Wing Drone

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VTOL drones (vertical take-off and landing) combine the best qualities of fixed-wing aircraft and quadcopters. A new technology supplies VTOL upgrade module for fixed-wing drones.

VTOLs feature both wings and copter-style horizontal propellers, so they can take off and land vertically, but then switch over to fixed-wing flight once it’s time to get cruising. 

FlyTech’s new module was designed to give its Birdie fixed-wing drone those same combined qualities, but only when needed.

Birdie, a surveying and agriculture drone, combines intuitive use and high-quality data, thanks to precise sensors and GPS RTK L1 L2 onboard. It is faster and more energy-efficient than a quadcopter when in forward flight. This makes it well-suited to tasks such as the aerial mapping of large areas. For landings, however, it requires a flat, smooth, open space. 

The module actually consists of two components, each one featuring two arms with a horizontal prop at the end. These are quickly attached by hand to the underside of an off-the-shelf Birdie, where its detachable wings join its body.

This causes the handheld remote control to automatically switch over to VTOL flight mode. Once activated via that remote, the Birdie autonomously takes off vertically, switches to fixed-wing flight to perform its preprogrammed mission, and then lands vertically when it’s done.