SkyProwler May Set the Bar for “Switchblade” VTOL Drones

An Arizona-based startup’s crowdfunding campaign could see the launch of a rarity in the drone world – a fixed wing UAV that also features vertical-takeoff and landing.

Krossblade Aerospace Systems kicked off a new Kickstarter campaign on Wednesday for the gnarly named SkyProwler High-Performance Multi-Mission VTOL Transformer Drone (cue Michael Bay-infused trailer).

With 71 backers as of Feb. 20, the SkyProwler project has already met 75 percent of its goal at $76,031 of $100,000 – living proof that Kickstarter is becoming the “new normal” for UAV venture capital.

Dubbed a “switchblade” drone, the SkyProwler transforms “from a multirotor craft excellent at VTOL and hover, into a pure, sleek and aerodynamic airplane excellent at fast and efficient forward flight,” according to the company project page.

Krossblade CEO Dan Lubrich points out that the switchblade technology will allow the SkyProwler to operate in virtually any environment. “This opens up flying to a much larger range of possible terrains, from backyards and rough fields, over snow-covered mountains and sandy beaches, to a boat on the sea,” he said, adding that the new technology could eventually impact not only unmanned aviation and the drone economy, but also passenger travel. In fact, SkyProwler will serve as a prototype for SkyCruiser, a five-seat, hybrid, high-speed VTOL personal aircraft scheduled to launch at the end of the decade.

Skyprowler’s switchblade transformation mechanism embraces both the flight efficiency of a winged model and the pinpoint take-off and landing accuracy of a multi-rotor powered vehicle. “The trick is to get the best of both; hence our patent-pending switchblade transformation mechanism to switch between the two, in flight,” said Lubrich.

The model’s ground station has 16 channels and offers a microphone interface allowing voice-control commands. The radio module can be removed and plugged into the optional arm-band radio.

SkyProwler’s camera system – dubbed the Eye Cam — sits in front of the aircraft and offers “straight-up look” capabilities. The cam will be available in two models: the ProAm 1080p30igs and the Pro 4K30igs.

And Krossblade is banking on the winged efficiency of SkyProwler to ramp up airspeeds of 65-83 mph. Supporters of the Kickstarter project will be able to own SkyProwler for $450 for a basic version or $1,400 for a 4K version with live video downlink.

Krossblade is projecting a June 2015 ship date if all goes according to plan. The only question remains: Will Shia LeBeouf play the lead role in the inevitable Transformers: Day of the SkyProwler movie tie-in?