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Toronto-based drone manufacturer SkyX has launched its latest product, the SkyTwo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The SkyTwo UAV builds on the success of the SkyOne electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) drone, which can fly over 100 kilometres on a single charge.
SkyTwo uses a helicopter-inspired “swash plate” design for both stable VTOL flight and the ability to transition to forward flight.
It is a more efficient aircraft, capable of greater range and heavier payloads than SkyOne.
The new aircraft will have a planned range of 170 km on a single charge. It would then recharge on approximately 2.5 hours on a remote xStation before continuing on its mission.
SkyTwo is currently in the research and development phase, with test flights expected to begin in September 2018.
Based on the company’s track record of rapid and successful development, SkyX expects SkyTwo will be market-ready in 2019.
Planned payloads include stabilized EO/IR, LiDAR, multispectral and sniffers.
SkyTwo’s long-range video feed will feature near-zero latency and target tracking.
Other features include: ADS-B, end-to-end encryption, collision avoidance for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight, a potential cruise ceiling of 26,000 feet, a high IP rating, along with an operating range between -25C and 50 C.
SkyTwo was unveiled today (July 16, 2018) at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.
