Dutch drone manufacturer DeltaQuad has announced the integration of a combined Yellowscan LiDAR and RGB system into its latest Evo aircraft. This fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone offers a flight time of up to 2.5 hours, allowing for colorized LiDAR mapping of up to 500 hectares in a single flight.
The addition of an RGB sensor enables the colorization of georeferenced LiDAR points, resulting in improved usability of the drone data and enhanced identification of intricate details.
Typically, quadcopters capable of carrying both LiDAR and RGB systems have flight times of around 30 minutes, covering approximately 100 hectares. Conversely, existing fixed-wing VTOL drones in the market can carry LiDAR systems that cover up to 400 hectares. However, these models lack an integrated RGB sensor, necessitating two separate flights to capture both types of data.
DeltaQuad aims to overcome these limitations with its long-range Evo drone. Moreover, the aircraft's universal payload bay features a "Click & Go" mechanism with automated payload recognition, enabling operators to create their own versatile sensor ecosystem.
The Evo drone can accommodate payloads weighing up to 3 kg and offers the option to combine two different sensors during a single flight, such as RGB, Multispectral, Thermal, ISR, or any customized sensor. Users can also swap one of these sensors with an auxiliary battery to extend the flight time to up to 4.5 hours.
The Yellowscan system stands out for its ability to capture up to 200 data points per square meter. Drone data processing is efficiently managed through YellowScan CloudStation software, ensuring rapid turnarounds for large-scale mapping projects.
Tristan Allouis, co-founder and CEO of YellowScan, expressed excitement about collaborating with DeltaQuad,
"Working with DeltaQuad is a thrilling experience as we collaborate to create inventive solutions for demanding applications. Our shared dedication ensures the delivery of highly efficient and reliable solutions for our valued customers."