AeroVironment Inc. and Draganfly Inc. today announced that they are working together to distribute Quantix Mapper systems worldwide. Simi Valley, Calif.-based AeroVironment will provide technical, sales, and marketing support for its “drone as an app” system, and Raleigh, N.C.-based Draganfly will oversee sales operations, resellers, and distribution.
AeroVironment supplies unmanned aircraft systems (UASes) for military, government, and commercial customers. Its product portfolio has grown to include apps and drones such as the Quantix system for civilian applications.
Draganfly manufactures UAS and remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) hardware and software. The company serves the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspection, and surveying and mapping markets. AeroVironment will continue providing contract engineering services to Draganfly.
Quantix Mapper includes VTOL, tablet interface
AeroVironment said Quantix Mapper is easy to use, offering fully automated operations and instant insights. The drone has a hybrid design, which allows it to launch vertically and transition to horizontal flight, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and range.
Users can immediately view high-resolution imagery on the included Operating Tablet, with no other devices, Internet, or additional software required, said AeroVironment. With the touch of a button, users can quickly and safely generate up-to-date maps for infield assessment.
Whether assessing crop health during key growth stages or damage from a storm, flood, or fire, Quantix Mapper makes it easy to gather accurate images across a large area, assess, and react to the situation with precision and speed, claimed the company.
Draganfly helps Quantix Mapper spread its wings
In advance of the approaching growing season in the Northern Hemisphere, Draganfly has procured a significant number of Quantix Mapper systems from AeroVironment. The company plans to expand commercial distribution of the drones to the Southern Hemisphere over the next year.
In addition, Draganfly plans to offer Quantix Mapper to new industries including environmental resource management, oil and gas, construction, insurance, and public safety.
“Quantix Mapper represents the combination of drone operation, high-resolution imaging and geo-tagging into the first ‘drone as an app’ solution that makes data collection as easy as using a tablet computer,” stated Rick Pedigo, vice president of sales and business development at AeroVironment. “As a leader in the commercial and first-responder drone market, Draganfly is uniquely positioned to deliver the value of Quantix Mapper to customers in multiple market segments to help save lives, protect property, increase productivity and enhance safety.”
“Draganfly has been manufacturing and distributing innovative, multi-rotor and fixed-wing drones for commercial applications around the world for 22 years. We were truly impressed with the ease of use, performance, and reliability of AeroVironment’s hybrid Quantix Mapper system” said Patrick Imbasciani, chief operating officer at Draganfly. “Flying 400 acres in less than 45 minutes on one battery is remarkable.”
“Programming flights by simply drawing a shape on a tablet screen map, selecting an altitude, and following a few prompts, is so easy,” he added. “Built-in visual and multispectral sensors and the ability to take off and land almost anywhere allow this drone to be used for a variety of applications right out of the box. Equally exciting is the competitive price.”
