Although we have heard of heavy UAVs before, they are usually big things that must be transported by vehicles. However, Hera can not only lift 33 pounds (15 kilograms) of goods, but also be carried by a person in a backpack Hera four rotor aircraft is manufactured by realtime robotics in California. Its main feature is that it adopts carbon fiber fuselage and its propeller arm can be folded, which makes the UAV more convenient for transportation and storage.
When folded, it measures 22 x 13.7 x 9 inches (55 x 34 x 22 cm), which allows it to carry.
It weighs 33 pounds -- the same as its maximum payload. According to the company, such a lifting capacity is at least 1.5 times higher than other folding UAVs of similar size.
The goods can take the form of four independent universal joint mounted cameras or other sensors - for example, the UAV can be equipped with visual, thermal imaging and corona cameras and lidar devices at the same time. In addition, due to Hera's retractable landing gear, this means that the camera can rotate 360 degrees without photographing any part of the helicopter.
In addition, Hera also has impressive running time. It is reported that its 44.4v/29400ma lithium battery can fly for 56 minutes without payload. If it carries a 5.7 pound (2.6 kg) phase one P3 gimbal camera bag, the number will drop to 46 minutes, but I have to admit that it is still quite good.
According to Quoc Luong, founder of realtime robotics, Hera's combination of lifting weight and portability is realized by the battery and the lightweight folding fuselage of the UAV.
"All backpack sized helicopters use motors with a maximum thrust of less than 4 pounds (1.8 kg), because stronger motors require larger propellers, so the fuselage cannot be loaded into backpacks. Hera uses powerful motors with a maximum thrust of 35 pounds (15.9 kg) per motor And used a large propeller, but came up with a unique way to fold the fuselage, including motor, propeller, battery and a universal joint camera Therefore, the folded Hera can be completely fit into the backpack. "
Commercial, industrial or military customers can now pre order Hera UAVs, and delivery is expected to begin in August. It is reported that the basic version of the product will be priced at less than $24900.