Intuitive Aerial introduced the Aerigon Mk II at the International Drone Exhibition, Dec. 11-12 at the L.A. Convention Center. Updates to the heavy-lifting Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) include the launch of Intuitive Aerial’s 2.0 image stabilization technology for full size pro cinema cameras with industry-standard lightweight zoom lenses such as the Angenieux Optimo 15-40 and Canon 15.5-47. It also offers complete FIZ (focus, iris, zoom) control via the company’s Dominion controller. Aerigon Mk II has future support for dual and redundant flight controllers, the ability to switch between 2.4 Ghz and licensed band wireless transmission, and enhanced features such as ground power and industrial grade battery connectors.
Intuitive Aerial’s Dominion controller communicates with the Aerigon Mk II gimbal and camera system from as far away as 3,000 feet. Dominion can switch between a 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping spread spectrum signal or a licensed band. “Having a dedicated licensed band will give pilots more assurance in crowded flight spaces like downtown L.A.,” explained Eric Bergez, VP at Intuitive Aerial.
Full control of camera and lens, including focus, iris, and zoom (FIZ), is available via the five-inch high-resolution and sunlight-readable display. Dominion also provides enhanced gimbal telemetry for monitoring performance and image stability.
The company also redesigned the cranium of the helicopter to support dual flight controllers.
Aerigon Mk II is able to work with today’s most popular cinema lightweight zooms with pro cinema camera packages. With a camera/lens payload capacity of 20 lbs., it has safely flown heavier production cameras, such as RED Dragon, Alexa Mini, Sony F55, Canon C300 MKII, and even the Phantom Flex4K, with heavier lenses, such as the Angenieux Optimo 15-40 mm zoom, Canon CN-E15.5-47 mm, Fujinon Alura 15.5-45 mm and Zeiss Master Anamorphic Primes.
Hardware upgrades include the switch to side-mounted flight batteries, the addition of industrial grade battery connectors with support for battery identification, enhanced motor mounts, industrial grade arm connectors and proprietary anti-spark technology.
“Our strategy of continually updating and improving the equipment and user experience benefits filmmakers and broadcasters,” Bergez said. “We’re excited to show them how AERIGON Mk II will enhance their aerial cinematography options without limiting the filmmaker’s equipment choices.”
