Drone lighting system for just under 60,000 US dollars turns night into day
A drone lighting system is designed to ensure the best visibility on the ground in the dark. A considerable price has to be paid for this.
The "Flying Sun 1000" system generates a decent cone of light from a drone.
(Image: Freefly Systems (Screenshot))
The US drone company Freefly Systems has launched a lighting system for drones with the descriptive name Flying Sun 1000, which uses 288 LEDs to achieve an illumination level of 300,000 lumens. The system can be suspended under one of the company's own "Alta X Heavy Lift" drones, for example to illuminate sections of terrain during search and rescue operations as well as for surveillance measures and for use in film productions.
Flying Sun 1000 turns night into day
The "Flying Sun 1000" system consists of four LED lighting panels, each with 72 LEDs. The panels are mounted to form an array and are suspended downwards under a drone. The manufacturer promises that assembly and installation are quick and easy. The panels then project a round 60-degree cone of light.
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At a height of 96 m, the illuminated area is around 12,728 m². However, the illuminance at ground level is then only 10.76 lumens. At a height of 30.5 m, the illumination on the ground increases to 107.6 lumens, according to Freefly Systems.
Together with an "Alta X Heavy Lift" quadcopter, the system should be able to be operated in the air for between five and ten minutes before the drone 's internal batteries are empty. To cope with the immense power consumption of the Flying Sun 1000, Freefly Systems also includes a cable. This can be used to supply the lighting system with the necessary energy from the ground, for example from an external battery, a generator or an electric car as a power supplier.
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Not for hobby drone pilots
Freefly Systems is asking 59,995 US dollars for the Flying Sun 1000. Accordingly, it is unlikely to be an add-on for private users, but rather aimed at commercial and government customers. The drone light system can currently be pre-ordered via the manufacturer's website. It should then be available from June. However, Freefly Systems states that only ten Flying Sun 1000s will be produced per month. Those who prefer something a little less bright can switch to the smaller Flying Sun 500 drone light system. This then costs only 49,995 dollars.
(olb)
