TheAscTec (laterIntel)Falcon 8 is a series ofoctocopter camera drones originally released by the German companyAscending Technologies (AscTec) in 2009.Intel continued to produce the Falcon 8 after acquiring Ascending Technologies in 2016.
Serial production of the Falcon 8 began in 2009.[1] The Falcon 8 is an octocopter intended foraerial photography, with its eight motors being arranged on a V-shaped frame to keep them out of the camera's view.[2] The drone has a stabilized gimbal which is compatible with cameras from several manufacturers, includingSony (α7R,α6000,HDR-PJ810E, andNEX-5N),Sigma (DP1 Merrill), andPanasonic (Lumix DMC-TZ71), as well as aFLIRTau 640 thermal camera.[2][3] The Falcon 8 is capable of carrying a 0.75 kg (1.7 lb) payload has a maximum flight time of 20 minutes with a standard payload.[2] By January 2016, the Falcon 8 was capable of using the AscTec Trinity autopilot system with a triple-redundantinertial measurement unit.[1] That same month, Ascending Technologies was acquired byIntel.[4] That July, Intel demonstrated a modified Falcon 8 withRealSense cameras at theFarnborough International Airshow, during which it performed a visual inspection of anAirbus airliner.[5]
In October 2016, Intel released an updated version as the Falcon 8+ for the North American market.[4][6][7] The Falcon 8+ has a payload capacity of 0.8 kg (1.8 lb) and is controlled with a weatherproof Intel Cockpit controller.[4][8] Among the payloads compatible with the Falcon 8+'s three-axis gimbal include aSony α7R camera with aSonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA lens. Power is provided by two Powerpack 4000 batteries, giving the drone a maximum flight time of 26 minutes with no payload or 16 minutes with a maximum payload.[9][10]
Original variant with a payload capacity of 0.75 kg (1.7 lb). Later versions have an AscTec Trinity autopilot system with a triple-redundant IMU. Powered by a 6250 mAh Powerpack 6250 battery, giving it a flight time of 20 minutes with a standard payload. Released in 2009.[1][2][3]
Falcon 8+
Improved variant with a payload capacity of 0.8 kg (1.8 lb) and powered by two Powerpack 4000 batteries, giving it a maximum flight time of 26 minutes with no payload or 16 minutes with a maximum payload.[10] Released in October 2016.[4]
