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Remote Control Aerial Platforms - part 2 of 1 2 3 4 5

by Mike McNamee Published 01/12/2012

Thus the stage is set for the bringing together of all the new technologies to provide super lightweight airframes, powerful batteries, high powerdensity electric motors, GPS and lighter cameras - to make a radiocontrolled helicopter which can not only take a DSLR up to altitude but also control, review and even lock-on the target while sending images back to ground control instantly. Previously, model helicopters were extremely difficult to fly because of the gyroscopic forces generated by the rotor. This has been eradicated by pushing the rotors out into a star formation of up to eight 'propellors'.

Suddenly, then it has all come together. The technology can get the camera in place, under full control and the resulting video is ready for web-distribution - an advertiser's dream. As a photographer, though, your troubles are just starting!

And so we pitched up at Quadcopters, a small company specialising in all things radio-controlled helicopters from making to flying, to some very sophisticated, science-based aerial work, along with a bunch of stuff they were not at liberty to tell us about. Based in Leyland, close to Preston, Quadcopters associated company AerialVue have three pilots qualified to perform aerial work and they build and supply both off-the-peg airframes and bespoke solutions. They also provide training for new pilots, can guide you through the legislation minefield and if it is all too much they can be hired to come out and do the job for you!

Their client list is impressive with some big names such as the BBC, Visit Scotland, many tourist boards and a Premiership football club. The demographic of their client list varies from rich buyers who simply want to play, through to scientists, archaeologists, law enforcement agencies and the film industry. The film and media industry is big on SUAs (small unmanned aircraft) and of the estimated 60 CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) licences, about half are held by the staff at BBC Bristol (this is a guess as the lists are not published!).

The Quadcopter range extends from small 'trainer' airframes through 500g (eg a Go Pro) machine right up to the eight-rotor heavy lifters that can haul a full Canon 5D into the air and which can weigh up to 20kg take-off weight.

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Contact Mike McNamee

1st Published 01/12/2012
last update 21/07/2022 08:46:25

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