Yuneec’s latest UAV is the all-purpose camera drone you’ve been waiting for

By Luke Dormehl Published August 29, 2017

Looking for a robust six-rotor commercial drone with camera options for carrying out everything from night-vision search-and-rescue missions to mapping to recording cinema-quality video? Of course you are — and electric aviation company Yuneec International is here to help.

Announced at the start of this year, Yuneec’s high end H520 drone is now available to order. Described by its makers as the perfect all-in-one drone package, the H520’s most impressive feature is its range of cameras, which can be swapped out depending on what you need to do with it.

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Its E90 camera is a wide-angle HD gimbal stabilized shooter, with a 20MP sensor and an H2 high speed processing chip. That’s perfectly suited for law enforcement, search and rescue, 3D mapping, or broadcast. Then there’s an E50 camera, offering a medium focal length, stabilized snapper with a high aperture 1/2.3-inch CMOS imager that’s capable of stunning 12MP stills. Finally, there’s a CGOET camera that comes with thermal imaging, simultaneously records two separate video files for each lens, and boasts low-light recording capabilities that are 20 times superior to the human eye in the same setting.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The drone comes packed with a pro-grade, Android-based ST16 controller, which sports a 7-inch integrated display and HD 720p video downlink for real-time video reception. If that’s not good enough, you can also utilize an HDMI uplink to watch the footage on external monitors.

“Our team of engineers and product managers have conducted extensive field testing to refine the H520 software and create a best-in-class commercial-grade UAV,” said Dr. Michael Jiang, CEO of Yuneec International. “We’re confident operators will discover the H520 is a versatile tool for a variety of enterprise applications thanks to its suite of dependable, reliable and advanced features including DataPilot™, Yuneec’s integrated mission planning software.”

There’s also plenty of third party accessory compatibility, a software development kit allowing developers to tap into Yuneec hardware and software to create applications for the H520, and an extended service program.

In terms of pricing, expect to pay between $1,999 and $4,699. Given the quality of the company’s previous offerings, we can’t wait to put one through its paces!

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I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…

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Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?

jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii 4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
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There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
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According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
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Charlie Cox singles out his least favorite Daredevil: Born Again episode

Charlie Cox in Daredevil: Born Again.

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