Wadi Drone

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community, Public Sector Agencies, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

New York University, Abu Dhabi and Emirates Wildlife Society

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include SenseFly, Delair DT18 AG, and Skyfish M6 UAV.

Countries

United Arab Emirates

Manufacturing/Building Method

The Wadi Drone is built with off the shelf commercial components. The airframe is a Cyclops E, the flight controller is using apm autopilot. They use a Raspberry Pi for the computing module and a combination of Wifi and Xbee for the location and upload of data from the remote camera trap.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

The product is still in prototype phase. Anyone interested in partnering with Wadi can contact them.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown, currently only operating in Wadi Wurayah National Park

Design Specifications

Airframe specifications:

- Cruise speed ~ 30-40 knots

- Max speed ~ 110 knots

- Stall speed @5.1 lbs ~ 14 knots

- Climb rate > 2000 ft/min

- Wingspan ~ 101 in

- Wing area ~ 598 sq in

- Fuselage length ~ 52 in.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

This is still in a prototype phase, so all support is provided by Wadi

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

Unknown, still in prototype phase.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

To build a drone that can autonomously collect data from remote sensors in a 40 km range.

Vetted Performance Status

During test flights the Wadi Drone collected more than 300 photos from remote camera traps

Safety

Users must take appropriate precautions when operating drones

Complementary Technical Systems

Installed cameras

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown, still in the prototype phase, but they are working closely with the Emirates Wildlife Society.

Evaluation methods

Field trials

Other Information

Wadi Drone video

Conservation Drones article

iRevolutions article