Back at CES2013, we filled you in on Parrot’s plans to upgrade the AR Drone 2.0. Today, availability dates for these upgrades were announced…read on for details.
Back at CES2013, we filled you in on Parrot’s plans to upgrade the AR Drone 2.0. Today, availability dates for these upgrades were announced. Parrot announced a GPS-based flight recorder, which adds autonomous flight and enhanced video recording options; the Director Mode app, which adds the ability to perform controlled video camera shots and adds video editing to the mobile device app; and an enhanced battery that gives longer flight times. Here is the press release:
Parrot AR.Drone 2.0:
Flying further, faster, higher!
In June, Parrot offers AR.Drone 2.0 fans’ to experience even more astonishing flights:
• Flights displayed on 3D, video storage and GPS localization thanks to the new Flight Recorder module;
• Access to Director Mode feature for filming the world from the sky like a pro;
• Increased flight time by 50 percent thanks to a new High Density Battery.
With new features and accessories, beginner and expert pilots will benefit from the most advanced technology and limitless flights!
Flight Recorder: The black box…
As black boxes are standard on commercial aircrafts, Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 will now have the option to utilize the new Flight Recorder system, which can save flight data and GPS-localized information.
When plugged into the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0, this module can accurately (+/- 2 meters) save the exact position of the quadricopter throughout each flight.
The collected data can be viewed in 3D and can be analyzed through the AR.Drone Academy maps.
Equipped with a 4GB Flash memory; Flight Recorder also can record approximately two hours of HD video. This content can be easily shared with the AR.Drone community via the AR.Drone Academy.
Flight Recorder provides access to two additional unique features:
• « Click & Go » Piloting Mode
Thanks to the Flight Recorder module, the pilot and its quadricopter and geolocalized on a map. One click on the piloting smartphone or tablet screen and pilot defines a destination. After adjusting the flight altitude and speed, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 will reach the selected destination (depending on Wi-Fi range).
• « Return Home » feature
One click on the Home button and the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 goes back to its original departure location.
For expert pilots:
The Flight Recorder module is compatible with MAVLink Open Source communication protocol and can be used with QGround Control solution for defining flight routes.
Also, team at the Delft University of Technology integrated the open source high end autopilot software, paparazzi, in the AR.Drone hardware. There is no need to change the AR.Drone hardware but only to plug in the Parrot Flight Recorder. Next step is to have a laptop with paparazzi on it, to connect the laptop Wi-Fi to the AR.Drone, to launch paparazzi and to click on « compile » so that the software will be put on the AR.Drone. You’re now ready to fly!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/embed/oX423smmPEc?autoplay=1
Wiki Page: http://paparazzi.enac.fr/wiki/AR_Drone_2/getting_started
Flight Recorder is available on www.parrotshopping.com and at select stores.
List of point of sales: www.parrot.com
Price: $129.95 USD
