Sony Announces New Accessories for the Airpeak S1 Drone

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Sony has announced three new accessories for the Sony AirPeak S1 drone ($8,999.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama):

  • Sony LBP-HM1 Enhanced Battery for Airpeak S1: $399.99 at B&H, Adorama.
  • Sony PX1 Gremsy Gimbal for Sony Airpeak S1: $3,999.99 at B&H, Adorama.
  • Sony Real-Time Kinematic RTK Kit for Airpeak S1: $3,999.99 at B&H, Adorama.

Sony LBP-HM1 Enhanced Battery for Airpeak S1

Key Features

  • For Sony Airpeak S1
  • Up to 30 Minutes of Flight Time
  • 3938mAh Power Capacity
  • Compatible with LBN-H1 Battery Station

Sony has recently introduced a new battery option for its Airpeak S1 drone, the LBP-HM1 Enhanced Battery. According to the company, this battery is designed to offer an extended flight time thanks to its higher capacity. Specifically, when the Airpeak is equipped with the PX1 gimbal and an Alpha 7R IV camera with a Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lens, it can now fly for up to 20 minutes. Although Sony states that the LBP-HM1 battery can provide up to 30 minutes of flight time without a payload, this information may not be very useful since flying an Airpeak without a camera would be unlikely.

In addition to its increased capacity, the LBP-HM1 battery offers several other features. The battery’s LED indicators, which are located physically on each battery, provide information about the battery life and the amount of power remaining. This feature allows users to keep track of the battery life more easily, even without using the Airpeak app. Furthermore, the LBP-HM1 battery is compatible with Sony’s LBP-H1 Battery Station, which was released earlier this year.

If you are looking to extend your professional flight plans, the LBP-HM1 Enhanced Battery for Airpeak S1 from Sony is a great option. With its high power capacity of 3938mAh, this enhanced version provides a longer flight time, allowing you to fly for longer durations with or without a payload. It’s perfect for long-duration filmmaking flights or large-scale industrial inspections. Additionally, this battery is compatible with the optional LBN-H1 battery station, making it even more convenient for users.

Sony PX1 Gremsy Gimbal for Sony Airpeak S1

Key Features

  • For Sony Airpeak S1
  • Lightweight Design Extends Flight Times
  • Simple Quick Release Mechanism
  • Open Port Design for Easy Payload Access

Sony has introduced a game-changing accessory for the Airpeak S1 drone – the PX1 Gremsy Gimbal. This state-of-the-art lightweight gimbal is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the T3, which worked with the Airpeak but was not specifically designed for it. According to Sony, the PX1 gimbal is specifically designed for use with the Airpeak, providing users with an exceptional flying experience like never before.

One of the standout features of the PX1 gimbal is its ability to provide better image quality and accuracy, even in challenging situations such as around wind turbines or surveying urban environments. This feature is particularly useful for aerial photography and videography enthusiasts who need to capture stunning footage in any situation. The PX1 achieves this while being 40 percent lighter than the T3, which improves flight times and provides users with more time in the air.

Sony has designed the new PX1 gimbal to operate smoothly with compatible full-size mirrorless interchangeable lens Alpha cameras. The gimbal supports various lenses, including the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8, the 24mm f/2.8G, 40mm f/2.5 G, or the 50 f/2.5 G. This feature opens up a world of possibilities for aerial photography and videography enthusiasts, allowing them to capture stunning footage with their preferred camera and lens combination.

The PX1 gimbal is incredibly versatile and user-friendly. It pairs with the Airpeak and the Flight app via the remote controller, allowing users to control the gimbal’s movements and adjust camera settings with pinpoint accuracy. This feature is particularly useful for professional photographers and videographers who require precise control over their equipment to capture the perfect shot. Additionally, the PX1 supports touch-operated focus area settings, making it even easier to capture stunning footage with pinpoint accuracy.

In summary, the PX1 Gremsy Gimbal for Sony Airpeak S1 is a game-changer in the drone industry. It is specifically designed to work seamlessly with the Airpeak, providing users with better image quality and accuracy even in challenging situations. Its lightweight design improves flight times, and its versatility allows it to work with a wide range of Alpha cameras and lenses. With the ability to control the gimbal’s movements and adjust camera settings precisely, the PX1 is a must-have accessory for aerial photography and videography enthusiasts.

Sony Real-Time Kinematic RTK Kit for Airpeak S1

Key Features

  • For Sony Airpeak S1
  • For Industrial Inspection & Mapping
  • GNSS-Based Centimeter-Level Accuracy
  • Base Station & Dual Drone Antennas
  • Achieve Precise Hovering & Flight
  • Improves Both Automated & Manual Flight
  • Supports Logging for PPK
  • Ability to Use GNSS Correction Services
  • Support for Dual Operators
  • Antennas Fold for Easier Storage

Sony’s Real-Time Kinematic RTK Kit for the Airpeak S1 drone is a groundbreaking tool designed for high precision positioning and navigation without any delay. This advanced technology enables the Airpeak to maintain a stable flight path and gather precise data that geotags images. This feature is particularly useful for industrial applications, especially in the fields of inspection and surveying.

The RTK system comprises a base station that receives satellite signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and an Airpeak-mounted receiver that uses these signals to determine its position. By utilizing a connection to multiple GNSS satellites, the Airpeak’s exact location, velocity, and orientation can be calculated down to a centimeter-level. This level of accuracy allows for nearly perfectly replicable flights.

According to Sony, the networking port currently available with the RTK Kit for Airpeak S1 could open additional use cases, further enhancing the value of drones for a variety of industries. Additionally, the geotagging feature has the ability to sync image and mapping data, which is a critical aspect of any user. The RTK Kit for Sony’s Airpeak S1 is an exciting development that promises to take the capabilities of drones for industrial applications to new heights.

Moreover, the RTK can work in tandem with the PX1 gimbal to even more precisely record its position and orientation as it captures visual information. This opens up new possibilities for creating highly detailed and accurate maps.

The Real-Time Kinematic RTK Kit for Airpeak S1 from Sony is an essential tool for achieving precise hovering and centimeter-level accurate mapping data. It is particularly valuable in industrial inspections, construction, and surveying. This kit offers a quick, safe, efficient, and cost-effective method of accessing hard-to-reach areas and structures compared to manual inspection. The kit comprises a base station that feeds GNSS signals to the Airpeak remote, which relays them to dual receiving antennas on the Airpeak. With this advanced technology, users can be sure of achieving highly precise positioning and navigation without any lag.

Press Release:

Sony Electronics Announces the Launch of New Accessories and Advancements for its Professional Airpeak S1 Drone
Sony releases new Enhanced Battery, Real Time Kinematic Kit, and a new Advanced Lightweight Gimbal for Airpeak S1

SAN DIEGO, April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics Inc. announced today new upgrades for their Airpeak S1 drone, aimed at enhancing the precision, performance, and reliability of the drone for a wide range of applications1. The new upgrades include an RTK Kit, a new advanced and lightweight gimbal, and an enhanced battery2, providing industrial users with the tools necessary to capture high-quality aerial footage and data. These exciting developments promise to take the capabilities of the S1 to new heights, by offering a significant boost to efficiency, productivity and overall functionality.

The Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Kit
The Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Kit for Sony’s Airpeak S1 is an exciting development that further enhances the capabilities of drones for industrial applications. With the RTK system, the Airpeak S1 can achieve highly precise positioning and navigation without lag, enabling it to maintain a stable flight path and gather precise data to geotag images for inspections and other applications.

The RTK system uses a base station that receives satellite signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and an Airpeak mounted receiver that uses these signals to determine its position, making for stable flight even in environments with strong magnetic field interference. By comparing the signals from multiple GNSS satellites, the system can calculate Airpeak’s precise location, velocity, and orientation, providing centimeter-level accuracy in positioning and reproducible flight. This provides centimeter-level accuracy in positioning, allowing the S1 to maintain a stable flight path and gather precise data for inspections and other applications. Alternatively, to the use of the base station, the RTK system can be connected to the internet and make use of a GNSS correction data service to achieve centimeter-level accuracy supporting various work environments.

Looking ahead, the networking port currently available with the RTK Kit for Airpeak S1 could open additional use cases, further enhancing the value of drones for a variety of industries. The geotagging feature has the ability to sync image and mapping data which is key for any user. Overall, the RTK Kit for Sony’s Airpeak S1 is an exciting development that promises to take the capabilities of drones for industrial applications to new heights.

Gremsy Gimbal, PX1 for Airpeak
The Gremsy Gimbal, PX1 for Airpeak, is a state-of-the-art, lightweight gimbal that has been designed specifically to be used with Sony’s Airpeak drone and provides an extensive range of advanced features to capture high-quality aerial footage and data. The PX1 is particularly useful for industries that require superior image quality and accuracy, such as those involved in inspecting wind turbines or surveying urban developments. The PX1 can achieve all of this while being over 40% lighter than the Gremsy Gimbal T3 for Airpeak saving valuable weight to improve flight time.

The PX1 operates smoothly with compatible with full-size mirrorless interchangeable lens α cameras such as Sony’s A7R V, A7R IV, or the A7R IVA cameras, and it supports various lenses such as the Zeiss 35mm F2.8, the 24mm F2.8G, 40mm F2.5 G, or the 50 F2.5 G. When combined with the RTK Kit, via Hot Shoe Cable, it can even more precisely record positioning and log orientation to capture vital data. The powerful motors and advanced control algorithms allow the S1 to handle its payload more effectively, even in challenging conditions.

The PX1 also pairs with Airpeak and the Flight app via the remote controller,3 allowing users to control the gimbal’s movements and adjust camera settings with precise tuning. Settings can be changed and adjusted according to the situation without touching the camera, enabling streamlined operation during capturing. In addition, it supports touch-operated focus area setting and selection of focus position. The focus position can be flexibly changed on the mobile app, enabling more accurate capturing.

It’s easy to use with only 2 mounting points and the ability to swap out cards and batteries without having to remove the camera from the gimbal. The PX1 is an essential tool for businesses that demand high-quality footage, data, and reliable performance.

Enhanced Battery:
Sony’s new LBP-HM1 Battery is specifically designed to provide longer flight times2. Combined with the previously announced LBP-H1 Battery Station, increased efficiency for Airpeak S1 drone is realized. In the case of industrial applications such as inspections and surveying2  where longer flights and less downtime to cover more ground and perform more tasks are required, these two products provide increased productivity.

The LBP-HM1 battery has a higher capacity than the previous generation, which allows for longer flight times and less need for battery changes, minimizing the risk of accidents and need for battery swaps. The Airpeak S1 can now fly for up to 30 minutes without a payload and when combined with the new RTK Kit, PX1 gimbal, an A7RIV, and the Zeiss 35mm F2.8, users can expect flight times up to 20 minutes2. A configuration with the T3 gimbal for Airpeak, A7S III and a 24mm F1.4 G-Master lens can realize up to 17 minutes.

The LBP-HM1 battery is tailored to deliver superior performance and seamless integration with the advanced capabilities of the Airpeak S1. With its intelligent battery management system, users can access real-time information about the battery’s status through the Airpeak Flight App3, enabling them to optimize its performance2. Additionally, the battery boasts four LEDs that provide clear feedback on its charge level and charging progress, enhancing its ease of use and accessibility. In sum, the Airpeak S1 and LBP-HM1 battery are poised to offer a significant boost to efficiency, productivity and overall functionality.

Pricing and Availability
RTK Kit w/ Base Station (RTK-1)
RTK GNSS system for Airpeak S1 with high-precision positioning capability
MSRP: $3,999.99 USD
Customer Delivery Date: June 9, 2023

Gremsy Gimbal PX1 for Airpeak (GBL-PX1)
Lightweight, easy-to-use gimbal for the enterprise
Price: $3.999.99 USD
Customer Delivery Date: May 19, 2023

3,938mAh Enhanced Battery for Airpeak S1 (LBP-HM1)
High-capacity battery for extended flight time
Price: $399.99 USD
Customer Delivery Date: June 23, 2023

New System Firmware Updates
As part the new product releases, Sony is also updating the Airpeak system software to version 2.0.0 for the aircraft and controller.  This new software provides support for the newly released products, gimbal camera shake correction in combination with the FX3 camera (for video only), and the addition of display and notification functions to improve usability during shooting among other enhancements. The ongoing system software updates made to the Airpeak since introduction are part of Sony’s commitment to enhance the Airpeak system.

To learn more about this recent update, please visit:
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/other-products-drones/ars-s1#downloads

For more information about Airpeak, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/airpeak

About Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

Notes:

  1. Operating a drone in the United States is subject to federal law and regulations. State and local ordinances may also apply to certain operations. When operating an aircraft, it is the remote pilot/operator’s responsibility to always comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
  2. Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, storage, and usage. Batteries are consumable products, and their capacity degrades over time as they age. Sony does not guarantee the life span of the battery.
  3. All apps require network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted, or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration, and credit card information.