Today, our heart eyes are blinking towards UAV Aerial Works, a South African drone security provider that has manufactured what it describes as an "affordable drone security workhorse for daily use.”
Called the SRV22E VTOL, the fixed-wing drone combines the agility and manoeuvrability of a quadcopter with the extended flight range and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft, this drone sets new standards in aerial versatility.
“With its sleek design, intelligent flight control system, and state-of-the-art propulsion technology, it’s poised to revolutionise the way you conduct aerial surveys and surveillance,” the manufacturer says.
What is more, Aerial Works has revealed that it has developed computer vision software, which will help take the load off pilots and alerts them to any movement caught by the drone while on patrol.
What this means is that a drone will alert the pilot only when needed.
Aerial Works’ visionary managing director Bertus van Zyl told local press that pilots will now not have to monitor their UAV continually, reducing pilot fatigue, especially during night operations.
The new software’s Artificial intelligence (AI) will also make it possible for pilots to control multiple drones simultaneously from a command centre.
Van Zyl explained that his company was aiming for a future where one pilot can control a swarm of drones and even have fully autonomous swarms of drones. As the company can fly its drones over the internet, operating multiple drones across different locations is not a problem.
Aerial Works and Drone Guards Director Kim James added that – that by manufacturing its own UAV – the company was in a good position to provide a custom-designed aircraft suited to harsh African conditions and backed up by a ready supply of spares.
Founded in 2017, Aerial Works has established itself as a leading provider of premium drone security services in South Africa, catering to the military, police, private security, and mining sectors.
The company makes its drones through its manufacturing wing, called Sky Robots.
Below is the manufacturer’s account of what the SRV22E can do.
Exceptional flight duration
Unleash the power of endurance with our remarkable VTOL fixed-wing drone, designed to conquer any mission with exceptional flight duration.
With an impressive flight time of more than two hours, this aerial marvel effortlessly carries a 1kg payload, allowing you to accomplish extended security missions without interruption, making it the ultimate solution for demanding and prolonged aerial endeavours.
Say goodbye to frequent battery changes and hello to extended flight operations with our VTOL fixed-wing drone, your reliable and steadfast partner for all your unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) requirements.
Waterproof design
Unleash the full potential of our VTOL fixed-wing drone, even in challenging weather conditions. Engineered with a waterproof design that encompasses the fuselage and air speedometer, this remarkable aerial machine boasts an impressive IP55 rating, making it truly weatherproof.
Rain or shine, our VTOL drone stands ready to conquer urgent missions, including critical search and rescue operations. No longer limited by inclement weather, this drone’s waterproof credentials ensure that it remains resilient and reliable in the face of rain and moisture, allowing you to carry out vital tasks without hesitation.
With its robust construction and weatherproof capabilities, our VTOL aircraft ensures consistent performance and peace of mind, even in the most demanding environments that BVLOS operations at night might bring.
Take your operations to new heights, knowing that our VTOL fixed-wing drone can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way, enabling you to execute missions flawlessly, regardless of the weather conditions.
Safety first
Safety and visibility are paramount in the world of aerial operations, and our VTOL fixed-wing drone leaves no room for compromise.
Equipped with onboard aviation lights and powerful strobe lights, this drone ensures easy identification both day and night. When the sun sets and darkness blankets the sky, our drone’s aviation lights illuminate the airspace, allowing it to be effortlessly spotted and recognised by other aircraft, ensuring safe and collision-free operations.
Additionally, the strong strobe lights further enhance visibility, making our VTOL drone an unmistakable presence in the night sky. Whether you’re conducting nocturnal surveillance missions or performing critical operations in low-light conditions, our drone’s aviation lights provide the peace of mind that comes with enhanced safety and awareness.
With the press of a button all lights can be disabled for those times when stealth is important. This silent and dark predator is the ultimate hunting machine.
Secure landings
Experience a gentle and secure landing with the remarkable landing assistance feature of our VTOL fixed-wing drone.
Designed with an advanced eight metre range LiDAR detection device, this drone ensures a smooth and controlled descent, regardless of the landing environment.
The lidar detection device accurately measures the distance between the drone and the ground, allowing for precise altitude control during the landing process. This not only guarantees a gentle touchdown but also enhances overall safety by mitigating the risk of hard landings or accidents caused by uneven terrain.
With our VTOL drone’s landing assistance, you can bid farewell to nerve-wrecking landings and welcome a reliable and effortless landing experience every time.
Whether you’re operating in a confined area or landing in challenging conditions, rest assured that our drone’s landing assistance technology is there to support you, ensuring a safe and controlled landing at the end of every mission.
Fly with confidence, knowing that your VTOL fixed-wing drone is equipped with state-of-the-art landing assistance for a seamless and secure landing every time.
ADS-B equipped
Stay at the forefront of airspace safety with our ADS-B equipped VTOL fixed-wing drone, designed to ensure harmonious coexistence with other ADS-B equipped aircraft.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology empowers our drone with the ability to detect and communicate with other aircraft equipped with ADS-B transponders. This revolutionary feature enables our drone to autonomously avoid potential collisions by analysing the real-time position and trajectory of nearby aircraft.
With its advanced collision avoidance system, our drone makes intelligent decisions to navigate and maintain a safe distance from other aircraft, guaranteeing a secure and uninterrupted flight experience.
By leveraging ADS-B technology, our VTOL drone sets the standard for responsible and efficient airspace operations, reducing the risk of mid-air incidents and promoting overall safety for both manned and unmanned aircraft.
Elevate your aerial operations with confidence, knowing that our ADS-B equipped drone is equipped to automatically avoid other ADS-B equipped aircraft, ensuring a seamless and collision-free flight experience every time.