San Diego, CA—In the coming months, Sony Electronics will release upgrades for its professional Airpeak S1 drone. The accessories will enhance the precision, performance and reliability of the drone for a range of applications.
The upgrades include an RTK kit; a new advanced and lightweight gimbal; and an enhanced battery.
“These exciting developments promise to take the capabilities of the S1 to new heights, by offering a significant boost to efficiency, productivity and overall functionality,” Sony announced.
Professional Airpeak S1 Drone Accessories
Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Kit
The RTK kit for Sony’s Airpeak S1 enhances the drone’s capabilities for industrial applications. With the RTK system, the Airpeak S1 can achieve precise positioning and navigation without lag. It enables the drone to maintain a stable flight path as well as gather precise data to geotag images for inspections and other applications.
The RTK system uses a base station that receives satellite signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and an Airpeak-mounted receiver that uses these signals to determine its position. By comparing the signals from multiple GNSS satellites, the system calculates the Airpeak’s precise location, velocity and orientation. Thus, it can provide centimeter-level accuracy in positioning and reproducible flight.
Alternatively, rather than use the base station, the RTK system can connect to the Internet and make use of a GNSS correction data service to achieve centimeter-level accuracy supporting various work environments.
The geotagging feature also can sync image and mapping data, which is key for any user.
The RTK GNSS system for the Airpeak S1 will have a suggested retail price of $3,999.99 when it launches on June 9, 2023.
Gremsy Gimbal, PX1 for Airpeak
The Gremsy Gimbal, PX1 for Airpeak, is a lightweight gimbal specifically for use with Sony’s Airpeak drone. It provides a range of advanced features to capture high-quality aerial footage and data. Furthermore, the PX1 is more than 40% lighter than the Gremsy Gimbal T3 for Airpeak, saving weight to improve flight time.
The PX1 operates smoothly with compatible full-size mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha cameras. They include the Alpha 7R V, 7R IV and the 7R IV cameras. It also supports various lenses, such as the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8, the 24mm f/2.8G, 40mm f/2.5 G and the 50 f/2.5 G.
What’s more, when combined with the RTK kit, via a hot shoe cable, it can even more precisely record positioning and log orientation to capture data. Its motors and advanced control algorithms allow the S1 to handle its payload more effectively, even in challenging conditions.
The PX1 also pairs with the Airpeak and the Flight app via the remote controller. This allows users to control the gimbal’s movements and adjust camera settings with precise tuning. Users can change settings according to the situation without touching the camera, for more streamlined operation during capture.
In addition, it supports touch-operated focus area setting and selection of focus position. Users can change the focus position via the mobile app. What’s more, the gimbal has only two mounting points and offers the ability to swap out cards and batteries without removing the camera from the gimbal.
The Gremsy Gimbal PX1 for Airpeak (GBL-PX1) will have an SRP $3,999.99. Sony is planning a May 19, 2023 release.
Enhanced LBP-HM1 Battery
Sony’s new LBP-HM1 battery provides longer flight times. Combined with the previously announced LBP-H1 battery station, it increases efficiency for the Airpeak S1 drone.
The LBP-HM1 battery has a higher capacity than the previous generation. Thus, it enables longer flight times and less need for battery changes. The Airpeak S1 can now fly for up to 30 minutes without a payload. When combined with the RTK kit, PX1 gimbal, an Alpha 7R IV and a Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lems, users can expect flight times up to 20 minutes.
The battery also features an intelligent battery management system. As a result, users can access real-time information about its status through the Airpeak Flight app. Additionally, the battery has four LEDs that provide clear feedback on its charge level and charging progress.
The new 3,938mAh LBP-HM1 high-capacity battery will have an SRP of $399.99 when it’s released on June 23, 2023.
