SwitchBlade-Elite Tricopter
The ultimate professional drone.
Vision Aerial drones are proudly made in America.
50 Minute
Max. Flight Time*
2.0 kg Payloads
Carry What You Need
<2 Minutes
Quick & Easy Setup
Why Choose the SwitchBlade-Elite?
The SwitchBlade-Elite is the perfect choice when you’re managing frequent flights in rugged locations.
Easy to Fly
Intuitive controls, stability, and rapid deployment means you can accomplish more missions per day.
Adaptable
Supporting multiple payloads, this drone can be used for a wide variety of industrial applications.
Portable
Whether in a car, truck, or on foot, the SwitchBlade-Elite is compact and folds up for easy transport.
Made in the USA
Designed, developed, tested, manufactured, assembled, and serviced in America. Really!
Features & Benefits
Easy-to-Fly, Award-Winning Design
When we developed the SwitchBlade-Elite, we took an objective look at what makes a great drone. In a market full of quadcopters, we found a design similar to a traditional aircraft was easier to fly. Forward orientation is evident and controls are more intuitive. Additionally, three rotors allow for larger props, which result in more efficient operation and longer flight times.
Pivoting Rear Yaw-Mechanism
Changing direction for many drones means reducing the speed of half of the rotors. This can lead to poor flight handling characteristics. The SwitchBlade-Elite features a unique mechanism that allows a crisp and powerful yaw authority. This results in ultra-smooth motion and the ability to perform better than quadcopters in windy conditions.
Versatility for Multiple Missions
Because of its small size, portability, long flight times, and versatile payloads, the SwitchBlade-Elite can be used for many applications. From surveying and mapping to inspection and aerial photography, this UAV is perfect for industries such as forestry, construction, energy, mining, agriculture, and more. Furthermore, it can be customized for many specialized applications.
Portable & Quick to Deploy
Many drone applications involve accessing hard to reach locations in rugged terrain. That is why we designed the SwitchBlade-Elite for easy transport. The drone collapses for stowing and comes in a hard-sided, waterproof Pelican case that can easily fit into a car or truck.
Perfect for These Applications
High Wind Environments
Surveying & Mapping
Infrastructure Inspection
Public Safety
Research
Build Your Own
Performance Specifications
| Flight time:* | Up to 50 min (30 min typical mission) |
| Wind: | 40 kph (25 mph) |
| Weather Rating: | IP52 |
| Max Payload: | 2.0 kg (4.4 lb) |
| Ground Clearance: |
250 mm (9.84 in) with powered landing gear |
| Flight Range:† | 20 km (12.4 mi) |
| Operational Temperature Range: | -10ºC to 50ºC (14°F to 122°F) |
| Max Altitude (MSL): | 3048 m (10,000 ft) |
* Flight time is impacted by variables such as payload mass, payload power draw, density altitude, wind, and piloting aggression.
† Environmental factors may impact flight range.
Perfect for These Applications
All Vision Aerial drones come with a low battery, Return to Launch (RTL) failsafe that automatically triggers when the battery is depleted to 30% remaining (user adjustable). When planning a mission, the pilot should account for this failsafe setting.
*Flight time is impacted by variables such as payload mass, payload power draw, density altitude, wind, and piloting aggression.
Full Specifications
Aircraft
| Motors: | 340kv (910W) per motor brushless outrunner |
| Rotors: | 46 x 15 cm (18.2 x 5.9 in) carbon fiber, folding, and precision balanced |
| Flight Controller: | Blue Cube |
| Transmitter: | Herelink |
| Aircraft Base Weight (No Battery): | 3.35 kg (7.4 lb) |
| Flight Dimensions: | 865 mm (34 in) diameter |
| Storage Dimensions: | 718 x 201 x 162 mm (28.3 x 7.9 x 6.4 in) |
| Case Dimensions: | 120 x 42 x 23 cm (47 x 17 x 9 in) |
Payloads
| Max Payload: | 2.0 kg (4.4 lb) |
| Payload Mounting: | 32 mm square bolt pattern 25 mm square bolt pattern 20 mm circle bolt pattern |
| Center of Gravity: | Adjustable (using battery) |
Battery
| Flight Battery: | 22,000 mAh 6S Solid State Lithium-Ion battery with XT90-S connector |
Flight Operations
| Max Operational Wind Speed: | 40 kph (25 mph) |
| Max Operational Altitude: | 3048 m (10,000 ft) above sea level |
| GPS Accuracy: | Within ±2.5 m (8 ft), typically less than ±1 m |
Software Features
Manual Mode
Manual is the most commonly used flight mode. The SwitchBlade-Elite will use an array of on-board sensors, including GPS, to move to any position the pilot desires. Then it will hold its position in three-dimensional space when the joysticks are released.
Brake Mode
This is a ‘park it in the sky’ mode. The SwitchBlade-Elite will maintain a consistent altitude and position regardless of external forces like wind. This station-keeping ability is ideal for single operator missions where the pilot is also operating the camera. It can also be useful if you just need a break from flying for a moment.
Return to Launch
What happens if the battery reaches critical levels mid-flight? What if you lose sight of the drone while flying manually? Press the Return to Launch button and the SwitchBlade-Elite will come back to the launch location automatically.
Autonomous Flight
Using mission planning software, you can pre-program flight waypoints from start to finish on a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Make quick changes or trace new routes in a matter of seconds. New missions can also be added during flight.
Low Battery Protection
Before the SwitchBlade-Elite becomes critically low on power, it will automatically return to launch. If it is too far from launch and becomes critically low on power, it will land at its current location. If desired, the pilot can retake manual control at any point.
Lost Link Protection
In the event that connection is lost with the controller, the SwitchBlade-Elite will fly back to the launch location, deploy its landing gear, and execute a controlled landing. If the controller happens to re-establish a connection, the pilot can immediately retake control.
What’s Included in the Price?
- SwitchBlade-Elite tricopter
- Waterproof Pelican transport case with custom foam insert
- (1) Flight battery (one used per flight)
- High-capacity AC dual battery charger (charges 2 batteries in one hour)
- Ground control station with internal battery (6-hour battery life, can be changed when in use)
- Mission planning software (no subscription fee)
- Hardware and Tool Kit
Flight Training
Three levels of training are available:
Video training for independent learners
In-person training at the Vision Aerial flight center
On-site training customized for your operation
Maintenance
Vision Aerial platforms are easy to maintain:
With proper maintenance, Vision Aerial drones are built to last for years. Instructions are available if you would like to perform the maintenance yourself. Otherwise, our helpful service team is here to assist.
Service Guarantee
Our systems are built to withstand daily use in challenging environments. Vision Aerial is an American company dedicated to defining excellence in the professional drone industry. We stand behind our products and take pride in providing exceptional service.
If you need custom modifications, repairs, additional parts, or any other support, we’re happy to help.