A Kickstarter drone veteran is at it again – launching a super-sized version of its previous crowdfunding success. Easy Aerial kicked off a new campaign this week for its aptly-named Easy Drone XL Pro – the next iteration of its even more aptly named EasyDrone (#2 in our recent 5 Kickstarter Drones to Watch post).
The XL, as the model name implies, is a beefier version of the EasyDrone. Creator Ivan Stamatovski set out to make a quick, user-friendly solution for capturing aerial video with the basic model. The result was a drone that comes loaded with standard features and interchangeable parts that snap together like high-tech K’Nex (a patented design).
The XL is also a modular drone that boasts a frame that is twice as wide as competitor drones and yet still fits in a backpack thanks to a proprietary modular design. Stamatovski says that ,when used with a small sports camera, the XL can stay airborne for up to three times longer than other solutions on the market (45 minutes) and it can carry a professional camera on a gimbal for 25 minutes.
Stamatovski notes that, unlike many drone crowdfunding projects, the EasyDrone brand has already established a successful track record – the original model garnered 109 backers pledging $45,627.
“When Easy Aerial launched the first campaign on KickStarter last year there were a few other drones that launched at the same time using the same autopilot that stole the spotlight some raising millions of dollars,” Stamtovski said. “A year later, not one of them delivered any actual product to their backers, while Easy Aerial has many happy supporters on four continents from the first campaign and is back with a new drone campaign.”
By offering a clean, simple design, the XL Pro cuts down on weight and use stronger motors, larger batteries and propellers that all add up to a much more powerful UAV. At the same time it comes apart completely without the use of any tools and fits in a small backpack that can be carried on to any commercial airliner.
The XL employs the open-source autopilot solution PixHawk, allowing the drone to have advanced failsafe features and programmable flight modes as well as autonomous waypoint flight that can be controlled from the tablet or a phone, reducing the need for a standard remote. There are six different flight modes including the “follow me” feature where the drone stays on a virtual leash.
With a modest goal of $30,000 in funding, the Easy XL Pro is almost on Easy Street. With 13 days to go, the Kickstarter darling has earned $28,549 in pledges from 26 backers.
Jason is a longstanding contributor to DroneLife with an avid interest in all things tech. He focuses on anti-drone technologies and the public safety sector; police, fire, and search and rescue.
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