Yesterday, FIMI announced an upcoming VTOL on their official Facebook page, which will be their first fixed-wing drone. The release is scheduled for July 31st.
In a nutshell, a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) fixed-wing aircraft is a type of UAV that can take off, hover, and land vertically like a helicopter or a multirotor drone, but also has the ability to transition into forward flight like a traditional fixed-wing airplane. This combination of capabilities allows VTOL fixed-wing aircraft to operate in confined spaces or areas without a conventional runway, making them versatile and useful for various applications.
The FIMI Manta wants to be a cheaper alternative to Jumper XiaKe80 and HEE WING T1-Ranger, which are one of the most popular Y3 VTOLs for hobbyists on a budget. FIMI will release the MANTA VTOL in two package options:
- PNP-FC: 3x motors, 4x servos, propellers, flight controller, ESC, and GPS
- Basic PNP: Just the motors, servos, and propellers
For real-time image transmission and onboard 4K recording, the FIMI Manta can be equipped with the DJI O3 Air Unit or other similar HD digital transmission systems.
FIMI’s first VTOL has a wingspan of 700mm and a max length of 445mm. Loaded with three 21700 type 5000mAh batteries has a take-off weight of 550 grams and a flight time of 85 minutes (at 12m/s).
Pricing and availability
Starting today, the FIMI VTOL can be ordered from Banggood. The PNP (no electronics) version is priced at $145, and the PNP-FC for $225. Both variants will additionally require a radio receiver, FPV system, and batteries. The expected order processing time is after 18 August.
FIMI Manta: Key features
- Lightweight, high-density EPP material
- Compact and portable design quick-detach wings (700mm wingspan)
- Tiltrotor vertical take-off and landing
- Perfectly compatible with ARDUPILOT open-source flight control ecosystems
- 20A 3channel ESC
- Durable metal gear servos and all-metal rocker arms
- Caddx Vista and DJI O3 Air Unit compatible
- Compatible with FIMI G21 Pro 3-axis gimbal camera
- 2004-3000KV motors with 6026 two-blade propellers
- Up to 85minutes of ultra-long battery life (3S1P\4S1P 18650 or 3S1P 21700 baterry bay)
I want that VTOL for Xmas. It is o cool how it transitions so smooth from drone to plane!
I love VTOLs. I recently tried a DIY drone, using HEQ’s drone: SWAN K1 PRO PNP with VTOL function, which also provides flight control and GPS, and it only sells for $499. I put my own GoPro camera in and used the HEQ battery. The flight time was about 50 minutes, and the shooting pictures were very stable.
FIMI VTOL? This is something new!
looks great!
Is there a camera on the VTOL?
NO, you need to install your own FPV setup on the Manta FWING
Too expensive! The FIMI Manta PNP-FC edition is over 250$