Velos

A DRONE HELICOPTER THAT IS SIMPLE TO FLY IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS, WITH MORE FLIGHT TIME AND PAYLOAD CAPACITY THAN ANY MULTICOPTER IN THE SAME CLASS

Velos Rotors is a class leading mid-size (sub 55 lbs.) UAV for commercial and military use cases.

The advantages of Velos are

  • Fully redundant architecture, can fly even under component failure – ideal for mission   critical applications (US patent granted)
  • Best combination of flight time / speed / range thanks to highly efficient flying dynamics
  • Since it’s a helicopter architecture, can be deployed from anywhere

High-profile use cases in real world missions:

Easy UAV to fly – Autopilot functions

The VelosV3, with an advanced autopilot system, is as easy to fly like a typical quad or multicopter.  We are using Pixhawk (orange cube) in series with custom firmware and CAN-bus support regarding the flight controller. This is compatible with all the Ardupilot-supported ground control software like mission planner, Q ground control, UgSC, etc. There are emergency landing and return to base functions with the ability to complete a mission even without signal communication with the base.  The speed can be as low as 1km/h for accuracy and as high as 110+km/h / 68+mph for fast approach, while the cruising speed is 45-70 km/h / 28-43 mph.

VelosV3 flies in bad weather conditions

Velos Rotors offers a high-performance UAV helicopter for a wide range of advanced applications.  It can safely operate in high wind applications that exceed (55km/h+ / 34mph), light rain/snow, and in a temperature range between -10 to +45 degrees C / 14 to 113 degrees F.  The operating envelope of the VelosV3 is ideal for applications that require UAV operations in difficult weather conditions.

Payload Integration

The VelosV3 has easily adapted to a variety of different payload applications.  Based on a Picatinny rail design with a total length of 55cm (21.5inch) with 14 extruded attachment points along each side (28 total).  The attachment points are placed along the rail every 4cm (1.5 inches), and each uses an M4 fastener. The payload Picatinny rail system provides a considerable amount of flexibility and open space, thus allowing a range of payload options to be mounted on the bottom of the helicopter in a rapid, straightforward, and consistent approach. 

For example, in the front of the payload rail, we can mount small cameras leaving most of the payload rail available for a secondary payload (LIDAR, cargo container, magnetometers, a flood/inspection light.  Additionally, we have an optional over-the-main rotor payload location that can be used for a ballistic parachute or to mount any sensitive payload that needs a clear 360 degrees view.

Conservative Payload vs Flight time:

Velos Flight Time

Low Maintenance Helicopter
The VelosV3 is an exceptionally low-maintenance helicopter.  The simplicity of the twin electric powertrain requires replacing only a few bearings and two belts at 1000 hours of operation, which would only require the aircraft to be removed from service for 1-2 days, and the material cost is not expected to exceed $500.  Check out our recent 1000 hour run here >>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiptYRZxRTg

Maximum safety through the fully redundant mechanical design
The Velos Rotors UAV core innovation is our patented fully redundant twin-engine electro-mechanical design.  Each significant component has a redundant set, including the main motors, batteries, electronic speed controls (ESC), belts, and gears providing maximal safety during an operation.  The VelosV3 helicopter can safely operate with malfunctions such as a motor failure, broken belt, gear–one–way bearing failure, failed ESC, primary battery failure, BEC failure, servo failure, etc.  

Specifications and Version 3 features
The VelosV3 UAV weighs 8.5kg (18.7lbs) without payload and batteries. The maximum takeoff weight is about 25kg (55lbs). This means we have about 15.9kg (35lbs) to share between the batteries and the payload.  We can use batteries with a capacity from 10Ah up to 30Ah. We recommend you use 4 LiPo 6S batteries sized between 17000 to 25000mAh.  With the larger 25000mAh batteries, you can expect a 45-60 min of flight time with a 5Kg / 11lbs payload.  

Suitcases Dimensions: 115 x 30 x 37 cm
Suitcases Weight: 16 kg each  (total: 32 kg)

Velosv3 is connected with the radio TX, not to the RFD 900 but to the laptop via a USB cable as a joystick. With this configuration, we manage to have all the UAV communications passed only from the serial port without requiring the extra PPM link. We can now use many different options to control the aircraft, such as 4G or 5G, Silvus Streamcaster, etc.  

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