Various DSLR camera options are available for integration onto the Vapor platform including Canon, Sony, and Nikon. These systems can be integrated in a fixed installation for aerial mapping purposes, or with pan/tilt gimbals. Each system can be integrated with an automatic camera trigger functionality.

Various infrared camera options are available including the FLIR Tau series of cameras.

The large payload capacity of the Vapor allows for the integration of high-performance stabilized camera gimbals.

The PA-01 Vapor is capable of slingloading up to a 5 lb payload. This allows for precision control of sensors that need to be separated from the aircraft (e.g., magnetometers).

We offer custom payload integration services including structural design, manufacturing, integration, and testing.

The VAPOR endurance is up to 1 hour with a standard payload and battery load under normal operating conditions. The flight time will vary depending on the operating conditions (Climbing and descending, hover vs cruise flight, etc.) We are constantly working on improvements to the system with new, more efficient blade design, larger batteries, more optimized power systems, and lighter structures that will continue to push the performance of the VAPOR.

Instead of simply specifying the payload limit of the VAPOR, we should instead refer to it's "Useful Load". Useful Load is defined as the sum of payload and battery weight that can be carried by the VAPOR. The Useful Load of the VAPOR is 15 lbs. The standard batteries weigh 11 lbs, leaving 4 lbs for payload in its standard configuration. Up to 10 lbs of payload weight can be carried by reducing the batteries. This will reduce the endurance, as well as it may require specialized mounting. Please contact us for the CAD models of the mounting plate options. We can work with you to implement a custom mount for your payload.

There are multiple things that will limit your operational radius. These are:

Helicopter Range: The helicopter can travel at 50 mph and has a total endurance of one hour, so it can fly a maximum of 50 miles. (This will vary depending on flight conditions, climbing, descending, etc.)

Control Communications Range: When operating without a ground station, the communication range is limited by the handheld transmitter to around one mile. When using the ground station, the communication link limit depends on the communication options. Standard data links allow up to five miles, while upgraded links can do 20 miles. A third option is to use satellite communications.

Video Downlink Range: The video downlink requires more bandwidth, which means increasing its range is more expensive than increasing the control communication range. The standard video downlink can handle up to a 5 mile radius. Upgrades are available for longer ranges.

Yes — the VAPOR is capable of autonomous flight, from take off to landing, with the push of a button. The VAPOR uses a complete automatic flight control system (AFCS) or autopilot that uses 11 sensors (accelerometers, gyros, GPS, magnetometer, and pressure sensors) to estimate the VAPOR's attitude and position. These estimates are fed into an h-infinity robust controller that is designed for high performance (gust rejection, excellent reference tracking) with robust stability (stable under varying payload and weather conditions).

Absolutely — the AFCS supports a user directed mode that allows even a novice to direct the helicopter with a joystick. Mission mode allows flight plans to be uploaded and executed on-the-fly by clicking and dragging waypoints via a map interface.

Yes, we can interface our systems (the VAPOR and B1-100 Scout) to a STANAG 4586 compliant ground control station.

Yes, with limitations. Different payload configurations can affect the flight dynamics of the VAPOR so we prefer to help with the payload integration. We can provide payload integration services to help ensure the system will perform properly with your payload installed.