ARS-S1: Airpeak S1
The world’s smallest drone, capable of carrying 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 less than 2.43 lbs
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.
Optimized Design for Exceptional Performance
Powerful Flight Performance
With a max speed of 55.9 mph (25 m/s)*, maximum angular velocity of 180°/s* and an 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 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 into the information from the sensors, it realizes 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 44.7 mph (20 m/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 a 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 24 mm F1.4 GM. The hot-swappable battery allows for power supply exchange*2 without powering down the aircraft for minimal downtime.
*1 Without a payload, obstacle brake disabled
*2 Vision Positioning disabled
Retractable landing gear for an unobstructed camera field of view
Airpeak S1 is fitted with landing gear with legs that open/close in flight, allowing the gimbal to pan without worrying about them appearing in the images.
Easily Detachable Propellers
The propellors are light, compact, and exceptionally durable, and the quick-release mechanism makes for easy attachment and removal.
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 into the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), compass, barometric pressure, and infrared range sensors, Airpeak S1 perceives its real-time location and positioning with incredible precision, even in enclosed spaces or when out of range of the 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 an 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 powerful custom-designed motor and compact frame, Airpeak S1 is capable of carrying a camera system (including a gimbal) of up to 5.5 lbs (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 the focus point can be selected by tapping the screen.*
* Compatible settings vary depending on the camera model. Refer to the compatibility section in the 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
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 the requirements. It is also designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
The holder allows for a maximum of 7.03 in, 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 that is popular with drone pilots.
It also has an HDMI port for connecting to an external screen.
Aircraft and Equipment Management with the “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 camera adjustments during flight. “Airpeak Flight” can be used both with manual and automated flight modes. During “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.
Dual Operation Mode for Independent Control of the Aircraft and Gimbal/Camera
“Dual Operation Mode” enables 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 maneuvering, 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 a flight mode that supports optimal performance. Airpeak S1 also comes with Standard Mode, which turns on all sensors including obstacle detection as default for a safe and stable flight experience.
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.
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 “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 the 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.
Accurately Re-create Previous Flight Paths and Cinematographic Timing
“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 later 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 there is restricted airspace or obstacles along the return route, the aircraft can automatically calculate a bypass route. Choose from either the Basic or Advanced setting. 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 in 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.