Orkid recently launched a large-scale drone product, the ORKID 260VTOL. This drone is a hybrid-wing aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and rapid deployment.
While there isn't significant difference compared to most similar drones on the market, what stands out is that they've integrated SpaceX's Starlink satellite antenna into the drone. This enables the ORKID 260VTOL to utilize Starlink satellites for C2 (Command and Control) links, allowing for long-range flight control and video transmission.
This innovative design can be applied to geospatial surveying scenarios, enabling the drone to achieve extended range while utilizing low-latency, high-bandwidth Starlink links for real-time data transmission. This represents a cost-effective solution.
The ORKID 260VTOL drone is equipped with:
- YellowScan Surveyor Ultra LiDAR
- Phase One P5 camera
- Trimble Applanix APX-RTX GNSS with real-time correction capabilities
These ensure the drone delivers high-precision surveying performance.
Key operational specifications include:
- 120-minute flight endurance
- 160 km operational range
- 12 m/s wind resistance capability
When combined with Starlink's satellite connectivity, this enables beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight control without ground infrastructure.
Integrated with Orkid's Cloud Flight Control platform, users can program flight missions and route planning for autonomous drone operations. The system supports MAVLink protocol, enabling seamless modular integration and expansion capabilities.
However, from an aesthetic perspective, the integration of Starlink antenna on ORKID 260VTOL appears rather crude - essentially just mounting Starlink's satellite antenna on the drone's body. This clearly isn't a solution designed specifically for drone applications by Starlink; it seems more like a repurposed vehicle-mounted antenna.
As drone fleets continue to expand, the demand for satellite internet connectivity will grow proportionally. As the world's largest low-orbit satellite operator, Starlink will likely develop specialized satellite communication equipment tailored for various drone applications in order to further capture this emerging market.