First came the Draganflyer X4, then the Draganflyer X6 and now the innovative team behind these mechanical dragonfly remote control helicopters are proud to announce the Draganflyer X8 – the most technologically-advanced and sophisticated remote controlled helicopter, ever.

The assumption that “boys will always be boys” and that “men never actually grow up”, can certainly be applied to the “boy toy” bait of the Draganflyer X8, as with its eight rotor blades, cutting-edge camera systems and optional handheld Ground Control Station, this state-of-the-art unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) is guaranteed to enthrall and enthuse even the most ‘self-controlled’ of ‘boy toy’ lovers.

However, the functionalities of what has been cited as the ‘ultimate boy toy’ are far from solely recreational. First and foremost the Draganflyer X8 is used to achieve stunningly superb aerial video and photography. In boasting eight industrial electric motors, the X8 can carry heavier and more advanced payloads, including various 1080p video cameras and a selection of digital SLR cameras. The Draganfly Innovations Inc team has also been busy creating some equally avant-garde camera systems that will be offered to all Draganflyer X8 purchasers.

Amongst these highly sophisticated new camera systems you’ll find the new IP video cameras. The vastly superior traits of the IP video camera are that they work by transmitting digital video over an 802.11n WiFi connection.

Being the company’s first UAV helicopter to offer a new handheld Ground Control Station as an option, just imagine the sheer joy and elation of controlling an airborne helicopter with a station as opposed to a mere hand held remote control.

The GCS, which is yet to have been completed, will run a Linux operating system on an Intel Atom processor, which will enable the GCS to operate existing DraganView software whilst simultaneously controlling the helicopter.

Besides the optional GCS, the X8 is flown with a custom-designed handheld controller, which boasts a 2.8 inch colour touchscreen, displaying flight data and telemetry. The controller receives streaming video from the helicopter, which is then sent to a pair of video glasses. Users can then view the helicopter’s actual flight in real-time through goggles, seeing exactly what the helicopter sees.

Naturally a UAV as urbane and advanced as the Draganflyer X8 is designed with a unique folding carbon-fibre frame, enabling the helicopter to be conveniently folded for transportation and storage.   

And the price? $32,165 for the base model – Not bad for the ‘ultimate boy toy’.

For more information on the Draganflyer X8 and Draganfly Inc’s other products visit: www.draganfly.com