New from Arcsky: the X55 is a quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle platform with exceptional flight time and payload capabilities. One of the key differentiators of the X55 is the modularity and interchangeability of power sources. Within seconds, the drone can go from using battery power (using the Battery Module) to hybrid gas-electric power (using the Hybrid Module). Additionally, there is a bottom-mount battery tray option that allows for top-mount payloads. With the Hybrid Module, the X55 can achieve up to 3 hour flight times, and can accommodate payloads up to 6 pounds. With the Battery Module, the X55 can carry up to 20-pound payloads, for up to 23 minutes. The X55 has a universal mounting platform and rail system below the deck of the drone to allow for practically any commercial or industrial payload to be mounted and flown. The X55 can be run autonomously, with missions that can be programmed via waypoints and industry-standard ground control stations.
For easy integration with a variety of payloads, the X55 offers an accessory power port, which can deliver 5V, 12V, or 44.4V (12S) power, and an auxiliary communications port, which provides access to CAN, UART, PWM, SBus, and I2C outputs, in order to control gimbals, servos, drop-kits, and a variety of custom integrated solutions. The communication bay of the airframe gives access to FPV, receiver, and telemetry module connections, allowing the operator to customize those items if desired.
The whole system can be transported with ease, by using the optional transport cases. The airframe folds into a compact volume in less than a minute, and the Hybrid Module has its own dedicated case.
The default controller is the Herelink, which is an integrated controller, ground station, and digital transmission system that has the ability to plan missions and automate flights, in addition to offering a range of up to 12 miles (20 km) in ideal conditions. Other industrial controllers are also easily supported and can be integrated by request.
The X55 is RTK capable and only requires the setup of the base RTK station to utilize this feature, which then provides centimeter-level accuracy and much better performance in position-holding (loiter) modes. An optional terrain-following rangefinder is available, which can help to avoid collisions in varying terrain conditions, as well as improve the altitude-holding performance in many situations. Finally, a variety of FPV cameras can be integrated, allowing high definition live video feed, directly on the ground station or controller.
The first units will be shipping in December 2022, and are manufactured in our Minneapolis, MN facility. NDAA compliant versions of the X55 are available for those that require that certification.
