The French company Inanix started from an observation: it is difficult to get images of sailboats during offshore races. Even if the racers use drones, their piloting and recovery are always very delicate.
Based on this observation, this company specializing in specific drones (army, gendarmerie, agricultureâeuros¦), has developed a model of floating drone. With it the rider gets rid of many constraints.
3 flight modes
This drone has 3 modes:
- Manual, it remains piloted by the sailor.
- Semi-Manual, the drone recognizes the boat as a target not to be touched, but remains maneuverable and does not follow a precise flight program
- Automatic, which seems to us to be the most efficient mode for navigation.
Auto mode, the most efficient at sea
In the automatic mode, before takeoff, the user plans a "mission". He determines the path that the drone must take, the way it positions itself for the shots. This "mission" is calibrated from a smartphone. The software has a few figures in memory and the pilot of the drone has only to link them one after the other. Once the mission is defined, he can put away the smartphone and will not use it anymore.
We throw the drone in the air!
To start, the rider (or boater) will only have to throw his drone towards the sky. The drone registers that it must fly, and then starts the flight according to the registered mission. Thus the racer can perform a maneuver such as a gybe or a turn, change sail or course. The drone always positions itself in relation to the boat and carries out the mission.
Back on board in a net
For recovery, a net, similar to a butterfly net, with a target must be installed in the rear balcony. At the end of the mission, the drone locates the target and keeps it in its sights, even if the boat moves in the waves. Gradually, it gets closer and naturally ends up in the net. All the navigator has to do is retrieve it and put it away.
It flies, but it floats!
The Dronvor is waterproof and floating. If during a mission, it runs out of battery, it floats. Also if it touches the water, it takes off again automatically. The floats which surround the propellers also ensure safety. As for the flight conditions, this drone can fly up to 25 knots of wind.
Under development
Still under development, the Dronvor should be available soon. The Inanix team works with skippers like Louis Burton in IMOCA. We should see it on many boats for the next Transat Jacques Vabre and especially for the Vendée Globe 2024. The yacht version should be marketed around 2025, at around 1,500 euros.
