Sony Announces Upgrades for Airpeak S1 Drone

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Sony Electronics Inc. has announced new upgrades designed to improve the precision, performance, and reliability of the Airpeak S1 drone.

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These upgrades include an RTK Kit, an advanced gimbal, and an improved battery, all of which will contribute to the enhanced capabilities of the S1.

The Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Kit enables the Airpeak S1 to achieve highly precise positioning and navigation without lag, resulting in a stable flight path and the collection of precise data. The kit utilizes a base station that receives satellite signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), as well as an Airpeak mounted receiver using those signals to deduce its position. Comparing signals from multiple GNSS satellites allows the system to determine Airpeak’s precise location, velocity, and orientation, granting centimeter-level accuracy in positioning. Its geotagging feature is able to sync image and mapping data. The RTK system can alternatively be connected to the internet to access a GNSS correction data service. The RTK Kit’s current networking port could also enable additional applications, increasing the value of drones for various industries.

The Gremsy Gimbal, PX1 for Airpeak, is a sophisticated, lightweight gimbal specially designed for the Airpeak drone that grants numerous advanced features to assist with the capture of high-quality aerial footage and data. This new model is more than 40% lighter than the Gremsy Gimbal T3 for Airpeak. The PX1 is compatible with full-size mirrorless interchangeable lens α cameras including Sony’s A7R V, A7R IV, or the A7R IVA cameras, and supports lenses like the Zeiss 35mm F2.8, the 24mm F2.8G, 40mm F2.5 G, or the 50 F2.5 G. In combination with the RTK Kit, via Hot Shoe Cable, PX1 can more accurately record positioning and log orientation to capture vital data. It also pairs with Airpeak and the Flight app using the remote controller, enabling remote control of the gimbal’s movements and precise adjustment of camera settings.

The new LBP-HM1 battery boasts a higher capacity than the prior version, enabling longer flight times and less frequent battery changes. The Airpeak S1 is now capable of up to 30 minutes of flight without a payload, and up to 20 minutes when combined with the new RTK Kit, PX1 gimbal, an A7RIV, and the Zeiss 35mm F2.8. A configuration with the T3 gimbal for Airpeak, A7S III and a 24mm F1.4 G-Master lens can achieve up to 17 minutes. Its intelligent battery management system lets users access real-time information about the battery’s status through the Airpeak Flight App. The battery has four LEDs, offering clear feedback on its charge level and charging progress.

The RTK Kit w/ Base Station (RTK-1) will go for a MSRP of $3,999.99 USD, with a customer delivery date of June 9th, 2023. The Gremsy Gimbal PX1 for Airpeak (GBL-PX1) will start at $3.999.99 USD, with a delivery date of May 19th, 2023. Finally, the 3,938mAh Enhanced Battery for Airpeak S1 (LBP-HM1) will be priced at $399.99 USD, with a June 23rd, 2023 delivery date.

Alongside these new releases, Sony will be updating the Airpeak system software to version 2.0.0 for the aircraft and controller, offering support for the new products, gimbal camera shake correction combined with the FX3 camera (for video only), and display and notification functions along with other enhancements.

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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.