ARS-S1 : Airpeak S1

World’s smallest drone that can carry a full frame Alpha series mirrorless camera*

* The installed gimbal, camera, and lens are sold separately. Use with camera systems (lens filter, hood etc.) weighing under 1.1kg

Airpeak S1 Enterprise Solution: Find out more >

ARS-S1 Airpeak Drone with Alpha camera

Break the boundaries of aerial expression

Advanced drone technology to inspire creators to new heights. The sky is your canvas. Let your creativity soar.

Better Integration for More Creativity

The Airpeak system enhances creativity for a seamless drone experience, Airpeak S1 is supported by a remote controller, an app and cloud service which work together to create a high-performance aircraft system. From piloting and camera work to flight programming and data management, the Airpeak system is comprehensive and easy to use.

Diagram showing Airpeak Flight mobile app running on iPad in Remote Controller unit and controlling Airpeak drone, gimbal, camera, lens and accessories. The Airpeak Plus Cloud Service with Airpeak Base web app is shown running on a laptop computer

Optimized Design for Exceptional Performance

Powerful Flight Performance

With a max speed of 55.9mph (25m/s)*, maximum angular velocity of 180°/s* and attitude angle up to 55°*, Airpeak S1 offers incredible creative freedom for dynamic professional aerial imagery.

* no payload, obstacle brake function disabled

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Dedicated Propulsion Device and Flight Controller

Airpeak S1’s propulsion system is designed by Sony engineers to achieve maximum flight performance and energy efficiency. The powerful yet lightweight brushless motor optimizes 17-inch propellers for maximum power and minimum energy loss, and the Electric Speed Controller (ESC) is carefully designed to regulate the whole system for peak efficiency. By integrating this propulsion system to the information from the sensors, it realizes increased stability and highly responsive flight control.

Close-up of Airpeak’s brushless motor and 17-inch propellers

Stable Flight in High Winds

The propellers, motor and ESC that make up the flight propulsion system, combined with the dedicated remote controller achieve optimal wind resistance. Airpeak S1 can withstand wind speeds as high as 44.7mph (20m/s)*, and can maintain stable flight in erratic upper-level winds and strong low-level canyon and coastal winds.

* no payload

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Max 22 Minute Flight Time (Without Payload)

Airpeak S1 has a maximum flight time of 22 minutes*1 without a payload, and can still maintain flight for up to 12 minutes*1 when fitted with a heavy payload like the α7S III and FE 24mm F1.4 GM. The hot-swappable battery allows for power supply exchange*2 without powering down the aircraft for minimal downtime.

*1 Without payload, obstacle brake disabled

*2 Vision Positioning disabled

Diagram showing maximum (22 minute) and minimum (12 minute) flight time

Retractable landing gear for unobstructed camera field of view

Airpeak S1 is fitted with a landing gear with open/close legs in-flight, allowing the gimbal to pan without worrying about them appearing into images.

Illustration showing raised and lowered position of Airpeak landing gear

Easily Detachable Propellers

The propellors are light, compact, and exceptionally durable, and the quick release mechanism makes for easy attachment and removal.

Picture of propellor being detached

Sensing Technology for Flight Stability

High Performance Sensors for Precise Positioning

Equipped with Sony’s image sensor 5-way stereo cameras (front, back, left, right, down), visual information is fed to the high-speed Vision Sensing Processor and proprietary algorithm. By integrating this information to IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), compass, barometric pressure, and infrared range sensors, Airpeak S1 perceive its real-time location and positioning with incredible precision, even in enclosed spaces or when out of range of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), to ensure a stable flight.

Diagram showing position of image sensor camera on front of Airpeak
Computer chip with Sony logo

Increased Stability in Low-Level Flight

High-precision sensors and the refined flight algorithm enable Airpeak S1 to accurately determine its environment, location, and positioning and keep low-level flight shake to a minimum. Airpeak S1 can fly smoothly and safely through wooded and obstacle heavy areas, for steady shooting even in the most demanding close ups.

Airpeak drone with Alpha camera

Multi-Directional Sensing for Obstacle Avoidance

Airpeak S1 combines five directional stereo cameras with infrared range sensor for optimal obstacle avoidance. The automatic deceleration and braking functions allow it to intuitively respond to the environment and its situation. The “obstacle brake function” can be enabled in both automated and manual modes, and there is the option to restrict sensing to a specific direction, or disable the braking function altogether.

Airpeak drone examining wind turbine

Versatile Camera and Lens Compatibility

The Smallest Drone in its Class for Alpha mirrorless cameras

With a custom-designed powerful motor and compact frame, Airpeak S1 is capable of carrying a camera system (including gimbal) of up to 5.5lbs (2.5 kg). Fully compatible with Alpha series full-frame mirrorless cameras, Airpeak S1 opens up the possibilities for professional creators.

Airpeak drone flying by skyscraper

Advanced camera control for flexible shooting

With Airpeak S1, the camera can be controlled from the remote controller. The user can check and change camera settings at-a-glance. With the latest system update, more settings such as focus area settings can be controlled and focus point can be selected by tapping the screen.*

* Compatible settings vary depending on the camera model. Refer to compatibility section in specifications for more details.

Airpeak remote control UI with touch to set camera focus point

Diverse Options for Cameras and Lenses

Airpeak S1 is compatible with a huge range of cameras and lenses, allowing creators to choose the perfect setup for their needs. Powerful low-light cameras like the α7S series or FX3 leverage high sensitivity with stability to capture vivid images even in dark conditions. High-resolution cameras like the α7R series can achieve aerial imagery of outstanding quality, with huge potential for commercial and industrial applications. α9 series will capture high quality images with ultimately low distortion, and α1 can shoot in the air with 8K quality. For lenses, Airpeak S1 is compatible with select E-mount lenses. You can match the best model for your application.

Airpeak drone with lens being changed on Alpha camera

Exclusively made Gremsy Gimbals

As a dedicated accessory for Airpeak S1, there is Gremsy gimbal “T3 for Airpeak” that is compatible with Alpha series cameras. Once the gimbal is connected, the quick release mechanism allows for easy attachment. And the temperature controlled IMU allows for accurate control of the gimbal in any temperature.*

*: Gremsy gimbal parameters may need to be calibrated when using certain camera and lens setups.

Alpha camera in Gremsy Gimbal

Intuitive Control

Remote Controller with Optimal Functionality

Developed for professionals in mind, the remote controller combines superior functionality with a comfortable design. It allows for a live view during the flight and real-time control over the aircraft and gimbal. There are four customizable buttons, and the aircraft, camera, and gimbal buttons can be changed according to requirements. It is also designed to fit comfortably in the hand.

The holder allows for a maximum of 178.5 mm making it compatible with smartphones and tablets.

RCR-VH1 Airpeak Remote Controller

The grip is shaped for secure handling, and the control stick is based on a design by the Futaba Corporation, popular with drone pilots.

RCR-VH1 close-up of control stick

It also has an HDMI port for connecting to an external screen.

RCR-VH1 close-up of HDMI port with cable

Aircraft and Equipment Management with “Airpeak Flight” app

“Airpeak Flight” is a mobile app for comprehensive monitoring and management of the aircraft, remote controller, camera, and gimbal. From checking flight distance and battery usage, to adjusting camera settings, the app is designed to optimize the flight experience. Airpeak Flight is fully compatible with Alpha full-frame mirrorless cameras, allowing for came ra adjustments during flight. “Airpeak Flight” can be used both with manual and automated flight modes. During the “Mission Flight mode”, the app can be used to confirm the route, execute the mission, check the status of the aircraft, and monitor the equipment.

Find out more >

Airpeak Flight app UI

Dual Operation Mode for Independent Control of Aircraft and Gimbal/Camera

The “Dual Operation Mode” allows two operators to control the aircraft and gimbal/camera separately, allowing for more precision control in complex shooting conditions. By placing the FPV camera on the nose of the aircraft, the pilot can control FPV tilt and check the flight direction and angle, while the camera operator continues capturing images. In addition, when two operators are using the remote controllers, the control stick and buttons will automatically be assigned to the pilot and camera operator accordingly.

Two people holding Airpeak controllers
Close-up of Airpeak FPV camera

Optional Flight Modes for Diverse Needs

Airpeak S1 is equipped with several different flight modes to make flying and creating even easier. The default Velocity Mode was developed in-house. This mode differs from a regular Position Mode by reducing the effects of wind and external influences on hovering, turning and manoeuvring, making it easier to recreate flight routes with more accuracy. By enabling “On Course Function”, the pilot can accomplish accurate and flawless recreation of a circular flight path with ease. Each flight mode allows for customization of maximum speeds, angles, acceleration rates and other parameters. Whether for speed and power, or smooth and steady, pilots will be able to find the flight mode to support optimal performance. Airpeak S1 also comes with Standard Mode which all sensors including obstacle detection is turned on as default for a safe and stable flight experience.

Close-up of Airpeak control UI

Automated Flight Missions for Workflow Efficiency

Flight and Equipment Organization with “Airpeak Base”

“Airpeak Base” is a web app used to efficiently organize drone projects, from flight planning and flight log organization, to reviewing equipment status and usage. Use the app to plan a detailed flight route, download flight logs from the aircraft to view data on past flights, or create a new flight plan from past flight logs. “Airpeak Base” can also be used to view the equipment status and usage logs, and set up error warnings and maintenance reminders, to reduce the risk of unexpected problems on site. Your flight logs can only be viewed and managed on your account ensuring data privacy and security.

Find out more >

Airpeak Base app on laptop computer

Flexible Planning and Sophisticated Automated Missions

Flight Planning for Professionals

“Airpeak Base” is optimized to support professional creators in designing sophisticated flight plans with ease. With the “Mission Flight mode”, you can set the aircraft’s speed and position (latitude, longitude, altitude) along with the timeline, and also specify the direction of the gimbal and the timing of camera for both video and still image capture. This is not only for straight paths, but for curved routes as well. The aircraft can be programmed to repeat the same path and can recreate the route with flawless accuracy every time.

Laptop computer with flight planning using Airpeak Base

Accurately Recreate Previous Flight Paths and Cinematographic Timing

“Repeat Flight mode” enables recreation of a flight path from the log, including gimbal and camera movement, ideal for continuous shooting of a fixed point or when accurately reproducing the same flight path multiple times. Manual control is enabled during Mission Flight and Repeat Flight, allowing pilots to tweak the route or change the angle of the gimbal during flight.

Airpeak Base ‘repeat flight mode’

Automatic Return to Home

“Return to Home (RTH)” will automatically activate if the battery is low or the signal is lost, bringing the aircraft safely back to the home point. And if the return route has restricted airspace or obstacles, the aircraft can automatically calculate a bypass route. The “Return to Home” feature is also convenient to bring the aircraft safely back to the home point at the end of an aerial imagery project.

Illustration of Airpeak Return To Home function in urban setting

Rigorous and Regular Self-Diagnostics

Airpeak S1 automatically runs a full system check before starting the motor. It will alert the pilot to any possible issues, and restrict takeoff and landing if necessary. Airpeak S1 is also capable of self-checks during flight, and can immediately notify the pilot if there is an issue, and make an emergency landing when required.

Illustration of diagnostics showing coloured lights on drone and application alerts

Manage Data on the Cloud

Aircraft data is shared to the cloud and can be viewed in “Airpeak Base”. Status information from multiple aircrafts can be checked in one location ensuring more efficient flight preparation and planning. “Airpeak Base” also stores past flight logs so that error data can be checked after the event. And as customer support for Airpeak S1 is coordinated with the cloud, uploading data from flight logs can enable efficient and quick problem resolution.

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Close-up of FPV camera
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Learn more about energy-saving features and our commitment to the environment for a more sustainable future.

Specifications

Size
Dimensions
Main unit only: Approx. 20.75(H) x 23.38(W) x 20.25(D) inches*1 *2
When the RTK kit is attached to the aircraft: Approx. 21.25(H) x 23.38(W) x 20.25(D) inches*1 *2

*1 Landing position, without propellers
*2 Approx. 39.88(W) inch(Landing gear is up)
Diagonal Wheelbase
Approx. 25.5 inch (without propellers)
Weight
Aircraft Weight
Main unit only*: Approx. 6 lb 14.9 oz
When the RTK kit is attached to the aircraft*: Approx. 7 lb 7.2 oz (with GBL-T3 gimbal), Approx. 7 lb 6.9 oz (with GBL-PX1 gimbal)

* Without battery packs
Max Payload
Approx. 5 lb 9.4 oz
Max Takeoff Weight
When using Battery Pack LBP-HS1: Approx. 15 lb 5.7 oz
When using Battery Pack LBP-HM1: Approx. 16lb 7.0 oz
Flight Speed
Max Speed
25 m/s (55.9 mph) without payload, obstacle brake disabled
Max Ascent Speed
7 m/s (without payload, obstacle brake disabled)
Max Descent Speed
4 m/s (without payload, obstacle brake disabled)
Acceleration
Approx. 3.5 seconds (from 0 to 49.7 mph, without payload)
Flight Control
Max Angular Velocity
Pitch: 180°/s, Yaw: 180°/s, Roll:180°/s (Vision Positioning disabled)
Max Pitch Angle
55° (Obstacle brake disabled), 35° (Obstacle brake enabled)
Operational Limit
Max Wind Resistance
20m/s (44.7 mph) (without payload)
Max Gust Resistance*
15m/s (33.6 mph) (with maximum payload)

* The maximum wind speed at which the travel distance is 1 m or less when receiving a gust from the side during straight flight.
Max Service Ceiling
8,202 ft(Above Sea Level)
Operating Temperature
14~104 ℉
Flight Time
Max Flight Time*
When using Battery Pack LBP-HM1
Approx. 30 minutes(without payload)
Approx. 20 minutes(with RTK-1, GBL-PX1, ILCE-7RM4A and SEL35F28Z)
Approx. 16 minutes(with maximum payload)

When using Battery Pack LBP-HS1
Approx. 22 minutes(without payload)
Approx. 12 minutes(with maximum payload)

*Cruising speed(9m/s), sea level, no wind
Hovering Accuracy
Hovering Accuracy Range
When the RTK kit is attached to the aircraft(RTK Kit is sold separately)
Vertical:±0.3 ft, Horizontal:±0.3ft(RTK and Vision Positioning enabled)
Vertical:±0.3ft, Horizontal:±0.3ft(GNSS* and Vision Positioning enabled)
Vertical:±1.6ft, Horizontal:±1.6ft(GNSS* enabled and Vision Positioning disabled)
*When not using the RTK function of the RTK kit and performing GNSS single point positioning

Main unit only
Vertical:±0.3ft, Horizontal:±0.3ft(GNSS and Vision Positioning enabled)
Vertical:±1.6ft, Horizontal:±4.9ft(GNSS enabled and Vision Positioning disabled)
Transmission
Operating Frequency
2.4 – 2.4835 GHz, 5.15 – 5.25 GHz, 5.725 – 5.82 GHz
EIRP
2.4 – 2.4835 GHz:23.8 dBm, 5.15 – 5.25 GHz:18 dBm, 5.725 – 5.82 GHz:25.6 dBm
Max Transmitting Distance
2.4 - 2.4835 GHz:1.2 mile
5.15 - 5.25 GHz:0.6 mile
5.725 - 5.82 GHz:1.2 mile
*Unobstructed, free of interference, and the direction of the Remote Controller is appropriate

Note:
Depending on the strength of radio interference in the flight environment, the transmitting distance for aircraft control and video communication may be shorter.
In case the aircraft receives radio interference, the transmission video and telemetry information on the "Airpeak Flight" app may be interrupted.
Propeller
Model
PPL1785
Propeller Size
17 inch
Landing Gear
Landing Gear Position
Raise and lower
GNSS
GNSS
GPS, GLONASS, QZSS
Sensor
Vision Sensor
Method: Stereo camera
Direction: Front, back, right, left and downward directions
Operating Environment:Surfaces with clear patterns and adequate lighting
Sensing Range, FOV:1.6 - 177.2 ft, HFOV&VFOV 80°
Infrared Range Sensor
Method:Infrared, Direction:Up and downward directions
Sensing Range, FOV:0.3 - 6.6 ft、FOV ±20°
FPV Camera
Image Sensor
1/4 inch 8.17 Mpx CMOS Sensor
Max Frame Rate
30 fps
FOV
DFOV 120°
Gimbal Axis
2 Axises Gimbal (Tilt, Roll)
Package Contents
Package Contents
Airpeak S1×1
Landing Gear×2
Battery Pack LBP-HS1 ×2
Battery Charger LBG-H1×1 (includes AC Adapter, Power Code) Propeller PPL1785×2 (Propeller CW ×2、Propeller CCW ×2)
Calibration Board ×1
Remote Controller RCR-VH1×1 (includes AC Adapter, Power Code)
Power Cable (Aircraft - Gimbal)×1
Control Cable (Aircraft - Gimbal)×1
USB Type-C Cable (Aircraft - Gimbal)×1
Micro USB Cable (Gimbal - Camera) ×1
USB Type-C Cable (Gimbal - Camera) ×1
Camera & Lens Compatibility
Camera
ILCE-7M4・ILCE-7RM4A・ILCE-1・ILME-FX3・ILCE-7C・ILCE-9M2・ILCE-7SM3・ILCE-7RM4・ILCE-7RM3・ILCE-7M3・ILCE-9*
Lens
SELP1635G・SEL14F18GM・SEL20F18G・SEL24F14GM・SEL24F28G・SEL28F20・SEL35F28Z・SEL35F18F・SEL40F25G・SEL50F25G・SEL50F18F・SEL50M28・SEL55F18Z・SEL85F18
Notes
-Use with camera systems (lens filter, hood etc.) weighing less than 1.1 kg.
-When shooting with a wide-angled lens, the aircraft may partly obstruct the shot. Compatible with lens length up to 100 mm to avoid contact with the landing gear or the ground.
-When connecting the camera to the gimbal, use a USB-C cable for USB-C port models. You may need to change the cable pull-out direction, or extend the cable length with certain lenses.
- Some features may not be available with certain camera models or firmware versions.
Gimbal Compatibility
Gimbal
GBL-T3 (Gremsy Gimbal), GBL-PX1 (Gremsy Gimbal)
Compatible Camera Systems
Using with GBL-T3 gimbal
• Use with camera systems (lens filter, hood etc.) weighing less than 1.1 kg. When attached RTK kit on the aircraft, camera systems (lens filter, hood etc.) weigh less than 0.9kg. Use with payload under maximum payload weight.

<Compatible Cameras *1 *2>
ILCE-7RM5・ILCE-7M4・ILCE-7RM4A・ILCE-1・ILME-FX3・ILCE-7C・ILCE-9M2・ILCE-7SM3・ILCE-7RM4・ILCE-7RM3 ・ILCE-7M3・ILCE-9

<Compatible Lenses *3>
Use with lens (including lens filter, hood etc.) weighing less than 460 g. Compatible with lens length up to 100 mm to avoid contact with the landing gear or the ground.
• The following lenses support gimbal presets in the Airpeak Flight app. *4
SELP1635G・SEL14F18GM・SEL20F18G・SEL24F14GM・SEL24F28G・SEL28F20・SEL35F28Z・SEL35F18F・SEL40F25G・SEL50F25G・SEL50F18F・SEL50M28・SEL55F18Z・SEL85F18
Using with GBL-PX1 gimbal
<Compatible Cameras *1 *2>
ILCE-7RM5・ILCE-7RM4A・ILCE-7RM4

<Compatible Lenses *3>
• Use with lens (including lens filter, hood etc.) weighing less than 180g. Compatible with lens length up to 70 mm.
• The following lenses support gimbal presets in the Airpeak Flight app. *4
SEL24F28G・SEL35F18F・SEL40F25G・SEL50F25G
Notes
*1 When connecting the camera to the gimbal, use a USB-C cable for USB-C port models. You may need to change the cable pull-out direction or extend the cable length with certain lenses.
*2 Some features may not be available with certain camera models or firmware versions.
*3 When shooting with a wide-angled lens, the aircraft may partly obstruct the shot.
*4 Individual parameters can be set for lenses that do not support gimbal motor presets.