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
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.
Optimised 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
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 optimises 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 realises increased stability and highly responsive flight control.
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
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
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.
The propellors are light, compact, and exceptionally durable, and the quick release mechanism makes for easy attachment and removal.
Sensing Technology for Flight Stability
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exclusively made Gremsy Gimbals
As a dedicated accessory for Airpeak S1, there are two Gremsy gimbals available; “T3 for Airpeak” and “PX1 for Airpeak” that are 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.
Intuitive Control
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 customisable 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.
The grip is shaped for secure handling, and the control stick is based on a design by the Futaba Corporation, popular with drone pilots.
It also has an HDMI port for connecting to an external screen.
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 optimise the flight experience. Airpeak Flight is fully compatible with Alpha full-frame mirrorless cameras, allowing for camera 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.
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.
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 customisation 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.
Automated Flight Missions for Workflow Efficiency
Flight and Equipment Organisation with “Airpeak Base”
“Airpeak Base” is a web app used to efficiently organise drone projects, from flight planning and flight log organisation, 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.
“Airpeak Base” is optimised 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.
“Repeat Flight mode” enables re-creation of a flight path from a previous log, including gimbal and camera movement and camera shooting timing for both still images and movies**, 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.
** System software version 2.1.0 / Airpeak Flight version 2.2.0 or more are needed
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. If the return route has restricted airspace or obstacles, the aircraft can automatically calculate a bypass route. Either Basic or Advanced setting can be chosen. Basic can avoid obstacles upward, while Advanced can also avoid obstacles horizontally for more efficient flight*. 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.
* Requires system software version 2.1.0 and Airpeak Flight version 2.2.0 or newer.
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 take-off 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.
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.
Industry Partners to Improve your Workflow
Looking for liability insurance for your Airpeak S1?
Looking for Ntrip Service Provider for your Airpeak S1?
HxGN SmartNet is the world’s largest Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) correction service, providing data from over 5,300 reference stations worldwide. Reliable coverage empowers you to seamlessly integrate accurate positioning data into your workflow.
Looking for SfM Software for your Airpeak S1?
Pix4D is a market leader in photogrammetry software technology. Pix4D products enable you to digitize reality and measure from images taken from your Airpeak UAV or any other Sony camera. Pix4D revolutionizes photogrammetry, so you can scale up and unleash the power of your imagery.
Looking for Fleet Management Services for your Airpeak S1
AirData UAV is the largest online drone fleet data management and real-time flight streaming platform. Serving over 311,000 users with more than 36 million flights uploaded to date and counting, we process an average of 25,000 flights a day with high-resolution data stored per each flight. It is used by large fleet operators around the world not only as a logbook, but also as a comprehensive flight safety data analysis and crash prevention platform, with advanced maintenance, pilot tracking, and easy-to-use live streaming.
Fleet Management And Compliance Software for your Airpeak S1
DroneLogbook provides enterprise grade software to manage commercial drone operations. DroneLogbook’s platform manages personnel currency, provides fleet management, helps you plan and document missions and flights. DroneLogbook integrates 80+ telemetry (flight log) types to maintain detailed, accurate data on every aspect of your drone operations. We also offer private/white label versions with extensive admin functionaity for more complex operations.