GRIFF Aviation Launches the GRIFF 300 – One BIG Drone

The GRIFF 300 is one HUGE drone; but what is it good for?

Here is a quick summary based on information provided by GRIFF Aviation: The GRIFF 300 drone from GRIFF Aviation a Norwegian based firm, combines aviation-authority certification (It has been certified by both  the European Aviation Safety Agency [EASA] and the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA]), unrivalled lifting capacity (496lbs) and a long flight time (30-45mins).

The GIFF 300 has a fully customisable payload options make it perfect for a host of professional applications, from Law Enforcement to Search And Rescue operations.

GRIFF Aviation’s CEO, Leif Johan Holland, has more than 20 years’ experience in professional aerial filming techniques. He said: ‘We knew from early on that safety is absolutely paramount for both the aviation industry and our potential, professional customers. For that reason we were determined to attain international aviation certification, which we have done.

‘As a result, I am proud to say that we are the first company in the world to be selling certified drones to the professional market. This will open up new opportunities globally in a very demanding sector.’ (It is unclear what sector is being discussed.)

This stringent certification, combined with the extreme capabilities of the GRIFF 300, has resulted in a UAS system that can perform the most demanding professional missions with a safety standard unseen in the industry to date. Risk to people and property has been drastically reduced. (Whew!)

The official launch of the GRIFF 300 saw Norwegian state television, customers, partners and the public watch the culmination of more than two years’ work. 

Mr Holand explained before the event: ‘We have worked around the clock for two years on this project, and now we are finally ready to launch and demonstrate the GRIFF 300. But this is just the first in a series. The next model that will be produced will be able to lift 800kg (1,764lbs). Then we will continue to increase lifting capacity even further. This is the start of a revolution in aviation.’

According to the first, the GRIFF 300 is easy to transport, assemble and operate. There is also great emphasis on the ease of interaction between the person piloting the drone and its control systems. Mr Holand said: ‘Our aim is to give our customers an optimal user interface, either controlling a drone from a fixed or a mobile ground station. If the customer wishes, they can use a helicopter cockpit or a captain’s chair, with full view of the map, telemetry and video feed. We can design, manufacture and install everything.’

(One thing is for sure, if this drone is capable of lifting 400+ lbs, you better not be holding onto it when it takes off.)

Here is a promotional video (quite the score)

DRONELIFE’s first thoughts: This monster has the capability to do . . . something. What that is remains unclear. Given its payload capacity there might be some search and rescue functions that are going to be remarkable. However, the company may want to spend some time clearly identifying specific benefits for particular industries if adoption is to happen.