The Draganflyer range of UAVs
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A Guide to the Draganflyer range of aerial photography UAVs
Aerial photography has always been either
1. via manned helicopters / 'planes, kites or blimps
2. via 'money no object' military hardware
3. consigned to the realms of James Bond et al
It is only recently that digital camera technology and lack of weight has collided with technological developments such as moulded carbon fibre (molded carbon fiber for my transatlantic readers), high energy density batteries and electronics developments to produce an unmanned craft that is capable of carrying a decent payload.
Marry this with clever on-board software and GPS technology and you finally have the possibility of aerial photography that only blows a moderate hole in the bank balance.
This lens concentrates on the Draganflyer range for reasons described in the next module and I hope that it will be a useful 'hints and tips' guide to the Draganflyers as well as helping you to make your mind up if you are considering purchasing one.
1. via manned helicopters / 'planes, kites or blimps
2. via 'money no object' military hardware
3. consigned to the realms of James Bond et al
It is only recently that digital camera technology and lack of weight has collided with technological developments such as moulded carbon fibre (molded carbon fiber for my transatlantic readers), high energy density batteries and electronics developments to produce an unmanned craft that is capable of carrying a decent payload.
Marry this with clever on-board software and GPS technology and you finally have the possibility of aerial photography that only blows a moderate hole in the bank balance.
This lens concentrates on the Draganflyer range for reasons described in the next module and I hope that it will be a useful 'hints and tips' guide to the Draganflyers as well as helping you to make your mind up if you are considering purchasing one.
What's it all about, Alfie?
Zenon Dragan (that's his name - seriously!) has developed the Draganflyer from scratch and now manufactures a range of models. Whilst other UAVs are available, I have purchased one (the X6 complete with RC and cameras) and will take delivery in November 2009.As I get to grips with it, I will provide a 'no holds barred' guide to using it - great features as well as annoyances. If anyone has purchased one, I'd like to hear from you to exchange ideas and tips - just contact me through the contact link.
Commercial plug and disclaimer:-
I have bought this to make a business out of it. If you are in the UK and are looking to buy or need to rent one and would like further information and/or a demo, do feel free to contact me.
For further information, go to my commercial website - Overshoot Photos
end of commercial plug - the rest of this lens will be as unbiased as I can make it and, apart from the links module, there will be no commercial advertising from me.
Enjoy!
What is the Draganflyer X6?
Blurb from the Draganfly website (you can tell it's sales speak)The Draganflyer X6 is a remotely operated, unmanned, miniature helicopter designed to carry wireless video cameras and still cameras.
Operate the Draganflyer X6 helicopter with the easy to use handheld controller while viewing what the helicopter sees through video glasses. The Draganflyer X6 helicopter uses a unique 6-rotor design refined from an original concept that has been under development since early 2006
The Draganflyer X6 helicopter accepts multiple interchangeable video camera and still camera modules.
Choose the camera that is best for you:
* 10.1 MP digital still camera with 720p video recording,
* 1080p HD video camera,
* Low light video camera,
* Thermal imaging video camera,
* Micro color video camera
What does this mean in practice?
It means it can take off with a payload of up to 500g, fly for 15 minutes on one battery, climb to 300 feet or so and maintain its position in winds of up to 20 mph.
It means it can take images from angles aand positions that you just cannot achieve with either a fixed mast system or a manned aircraft.
It means that you can see the image 'as it happens' via a Live video downlink, whilst saving it do data card,
Buying and selling a Draganflyer
If you want to buy a brand new Draganflyer then you need to contact Draganfly direct (if you are in the States) or one of its distributors.
If you are in Europe, contact me through this link and I will put you in touch with the European Distributor:-
If you are looking to sell a second hand Draganflyer - X4, X6 or X8 then, again, get in touch with me. Overshoot Photos maintains a list of people interested in purchasing a second-hand one. For a fee, Overshoot can do the following:
1. Circulate your Draganflyer details to those that have expressed an interest
2. Advertise it on the 'Draganflyers for sale' section here
3. Advertise it on the 'Draganflyers for sale' section on Overshoot Photos.
Follow this link for full details and information on how to advertise.
If you are looking to buy a second-hand Draganflyer then register with Overshoot Photos and Overshoot will let you know when any come up for sale. Follow this link to register
If you are in Europe, contact me through this link and I will put you in touch with the European Distributor:-
If you are looking to sell a second hand Draganflyer - X4, X6 or X8 then, again, get in touch with me. Overshoot Photos maintains a list of people interested in purchasing a second-hand one. For a fee, Overshoot can do the following:
1. Circulate your Draganflyer details to those that have expressed an interest
2. Advertise it on the 'Draganflyers for sale' section here
3. Advertise it on the 'Draganflyers for sale' section on Overshoot Photos.
Follow this link for full details and information on how to advertise.
If you are looking to buy a second-hand Draganflyer then register with Overshoot Photos and Overshoot will let you know when any come up for sale. Follow this link to register
Second-hand Draganflyers for sale - 1x X6 For Sale



Draganflyer X6 For Sale
Less than 5 hours total flying time. X6, Base Station, 10MPx camera, Transmitter, batteries,tools etc. Click here for full details.
Asking Price, £22,500 USD.
PRICE REDUCED! Now $19,900 USD
Keep checking back or register with Overshoot to be notified as soon as any become available
Diary of a Draganflyer owner
My trials and tribulations of owning one of these beasts
October 2009 - Draganflyer c/w stills and video camera ordered. Also second Transmitter so that clients can use one to control the camera whilst I hover. That's the theory, anyway
Early November 2009. Supplier sent me a E-flite Blade mcx RC heli to practice on. Once I set the trim up it was a doddle to fly.
Mid November It's being shipped last week in November! Training is on 7/8 December and I can take delivery of it then. I could have it before, but it was strongly suggested that I wait until the training in case temptation gets the better of me. Hmph. They are probably right.
Late November (29th) Oops. Between me and my son, we broke a link on the Blade flybar. Trip to my friendly local Heli shop tomorrow. (No connection, just a satisfied customer)
December It's arrived. 2 days (excellent) training from Air2Ar and it's all mine
Winter 2009/10 Practice, practice, practice on the calm days. As time goes on, I'm getting more confident with it
Feb 2010 Had my first paying job. 360 Panorama of a City. Had to get up at stupid O'Clock (5am) to get there for an early morning shoot but worth it as the day was perfect.
Autumn 2010 My first repeat Order - the same company that commissioned the first job - they must have been happy with the results.
Taken some stunning early morning images of a local Golf Course. See website for some of the images. Video to follow....
September Blade finall bites the dust. Few too many crashes, I fear and it no longer flew forward. RIP. Still, it was definitely having the Blade to practice on before getting the DF and I'd definitely recommend buying a practice heli.
End 2010 A good first year. I had a variety of jobs. Not enough to make a living out of, yet, but consideing that I have done little in the way of advertisiing, I am happy with the results. See some of the pictures on the website
Early November 2009. Supplier sent me a E-flite Blade mcx RC heli to practice on. Once I set the trim up it was a doddle to fly.
Mid November It's being shipped last week in November! Training is on 7/8 December and I can take delivery of it then. I could have it before, but it was strongly suggested that I wait until the training in case temptation gets the better of me. Hmph. They are probably right.
Late November (29th) Oops. Between me and my son, we broke a link on the Blade flybar. Trip to my friendly local Heli shop tomorrow. (No connection, just a satisfied customer)
December It's arrived. 2 days (excellent) training from Air2Ar and it's all mine
Winter 2009/10 Practice, practice, practice on the calm days. As time goes on, I'm getting more confident with it
Feb 2010 Had my first paying job. 360 Panorama of a City. Had to get up at stupid O'Clock (5am) to get there for an early morning shoot but worth it as the day was perfect.
Autumn 2010 My first repeat Order - the same company that commissioned the first job - they must have been happy with the results.
Taken some stunning early morning images of a local Golf Course. See website for some of the images. Video to follow....
September Blade finall bites the dust. Few too many crashes, I fear and it no longer flew forward. RIP. Still, it was definitely having the Blade to practice on before getting the DF and I'd definitely recommend buying a practice heli.
End 2010 A good first year. I had a variety of jobs. Not enough to make a living out of, yet, but consideing that I have done little in the way of advertisiing, I am happy with the results. See some of the pictures on the website
Press reviews
Read what the Press are saying about the Draganflyer
As well as my (somewhat biased) opinion, the Draganflyer is getting reviewed in the Press. Read the reviews here.
If you know of one that I've missed, send me the link and I will add it.
Each link has snippets from the article. Follow the link for more information.
If you know of one that I've missed, send me the link and I will add it.
Each link has snippets from the article. Follow the link for more information.
- Pocket Lint attends the X6 Press Launch September 2009
- Air2Air today launched the DraganFlyer X6 helicopter in the UK. This awesome little radio controlled helicopter has three pairs of rotors and is heaped with sensors to assist stable flight....
...Ok, so it isn't designed to be a toy, with useful commercial applications like inspecting difficult to reach locations, birds-eye view shots or traffic monitoring, it even has some Police service time under its belt.
The battery gives you around 20 minutes of flight time (without a payload), it will max out at 30mph and climb to a maximum altitude of 8,000ft.
Now 007, you will be careful, won't you? - Photographyblog.com's review of the X4 - August 2009
- Aerial photographers and videographers will be excited to see the newest product from Draganfly Innovations Inc. - the Draganflyer X4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a computer-stabilised, miniature airborne platform with a wireless video downlink and remote flight control....
..The Draganflyer X4 UAV helicopter, with its electronically stabilized flight, high definition video, and high resolution still camera, is a unique and useful tool. - Gizmodo calls it a 'UFO thingy'
- The Draganfly series of heli cams have been impressive, but the just announced X6 is freaking amazing. The triple-tipped carbon fiber body has two carbon rotors on each end. The design allows it to move in all directions rapidly, provide enough control to zip around indoors yet resist up to 18 miles per hour of wind.
Third party links of relevance
Related stuff that you might find helpful
- Overshoot Photos
- This is my website. If you want to know a bit more about the services that I can provided, or need some aerial photography undertaken, here is the blatant plug.
Also, if you are interested in buying one, then speak to me (via the Contact form) and I will try to answer your questions as well as put you in touch with the most appropriate contact. - Draganfly Innovations Inc.
- The manufacturer's website. Here you can view the whole range and pick up PDFs of all the specifications. very useful site.
- XHeli.com - America's No. 1 RC Helicopter website
- Start as I did with a model helicopter, buzzing around the lounge. You can get a feel for your ability level and, if you crash, it's a lot cheaper - and will probably survive. Xheli is America's No. 1 model helicopter website
Use the code 'CJFREE2' to get Free ground shipping too! - Nitro Models - Planes and Helis
- Nitro Planes is another RC plane and heli store. Nitro Planes offers FREE lifetime online technical support via its Forums. Click on the Link to find out more.
feedback
whaddaya think?
Let me know what you think.
Have you seen a demo?
Have you got one?
Have you got something else that could better it?
What do you use yours for?
Business or pleasure?
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-
Martin Finnis
Mar 24, 2011 @ 4:16 pm | delete
- Hi,
I went to a demo today and what an outstanding piece of kit. I do a bit of mast photography and want to expand my offer and see this as a good way to do it. A fair bit over my budget and am not sure what I would be able to charge for the service to make it profitable. I think I would need a fair bit of marketing too get it going but some real food for thought though!
Regards
Martin
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Uses of a Draganflyer
Now you've got one, how do you justify its cost?
- Personal
- - Real Estate photography Photograph property for sale / to Let as well as for some one to have a memorable reminder of their property
- - Wedding, Event and Anniversary Photography Add that extra dimension to your personal celebration with some aerial photographs. A group photograph taken from the air adds an extra twist to the run of the mill shots. We also have a 'Photo To Go' service where, given sufficient time, we can print off and frame a shot of your choice in a suitable frame to hand out to departing guests as a keepsake from you on the day
- - Home Photography Just moved home or celebrated some special anniversary or just feel proud of your house? Then why not show it at its best with a framed aerial shot or triptych in your hallway or lounge? This also makes an ideal anniversary present for relatives or close friends.
- - Getting the message across Whether it's a proposal, birthday greetings or a 'Good Luck' message, let us fly a banner with your message at a time you specify for that off-the-wall personal touch.
- Commercial
- - Premises and staff publicity shoot Proud of your Company, its staff and its achievements? Then why not have an aerial photograph of them outside your premises hung up in the Reception area?
- - Promotional shots and video We can work with your PR Agency to provide raw footage for editing into a PR brochure or DVD. For instance, if you own a Golf course, then why not have a ball's eye view of your holes to give potential members a feel for the course?
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- Surveying From dodgy pointing to blocked guttering and crumbling masonry, inspection can be a precarious affair it can also be slow if you need to assemble scaffolding or organise a steeplejack.
Why not laugh in the face of the 'Working at heights' Directive keep your feet on Terra Firma and let us scale the heights? You can see the images live via our downlink, with the view under your control. Take away a DVD of the information for future reference. - - Architectural Visualisation Standing on the ground, you lose half the picture. In the air, you can observe a structure in all its glory.
- - PR and Marketing Where do we start? We can tow an advertising message along, both indoor and outdoor, we can carry a payload such as leaflets or vouchers and drop them at a particular point. It's an unusual way of getting your message across and one that is bound to be remembered.
- - Estate Agency work Make your property stand out with some aerial photographs of the house and gardens. How about some video footage sweeping up the drive? Agents - you can sell this as an optional bolt-on.
- Reportage
- - Video and still footage of newsworthy events We can be commissioned to provide unique footage of events, both planned and unexpected. A bird's eye view often gets more of the picture than ground-level photographs.
- Security and Emergency Services
- - Live aerial monitoring Where you have a stand-off situation that could do with additional video, still or infra-red footage, we can handle the situation.
- - Incident recording Example: A fire where the extent and the intensity can be recorded can be filmed for use by Insurance or SOCO at a later date.
- - Missing persons With the use of our thermal imaging camera, where speed is of the essence we can help sweep areas either instead of or as well as a manned helicopter at a fraction of the cost.
- - Recording of Exercises and simulated scenarios Emergency Services run regular simulated major incident exercises. By taking aerial footage for later analysis, these can provide effective feedback on the exercise and the responses by the staff on the ground.
by Pulsey
Hi. I'm Andy and I am an aerial Photographer using a Drone with a camera slung underneath it.
More info on my lenses or at overshoot-photos.co.uk
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