Parrot has finally unveiled the Bebop 2, a sequel to their improved Bebop drone that we saw last year. The Bebop 2 drone now is compact, and very light (500 gr). Equipped with the latest generation of sensors and technologies, it boasts 25 minutes of flying time. and offers very easy-to-use piloting via Wi-Fi with a smartphone or a tablet.
Its embedded fish-eye camera digitally stabilized on a 3-axis framework, takes Full HD videos. Bebop 2 is compatible with Skycontroller Black Edition, an optional RC-like controller providing an extended flight range (up to 2km*) via the FreeFlight 3 App for smartphone and tablet. ilting the piloting device indicates the direction (forward, backward, left, right), the drone follows with precision. When the “landing” button is touched, the drone automatically lands smoothly, whatever its altitude.
Data collected by seven sensors are analyzed and merged thanks to the impressive calculation capability of its onboard computer (dual-core processor with CPU quad-core):
- A vertical stabilization camera takes an image of the ground every 16 milliseconds and compares it to the previous one to determine the speed of the Bebop 2.
- An ultrasound sensor analyzes the flight altitude up to 16 feet, completed by a pressure sensor up to that level.
- A pressure sensor measures air pressure and analyzes fight altitude beyond 16 feet.
- 3-axis gyroscope measures the bank angle of the drone.
- Accelerometer measures the positioning of the drone on 3 axes and its linear speed.
- 3-axis magnetometer helps define the position of the drone, like a compass.
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chipset (GPS + GLONASS) geo-localize the drone and help measure the speed in order to stabilize the drone in high altitudes.
Parrot engineers optimized the design of the quadcopter as well as its software and hardware battery (Rechargeable lithium-ion 2700 mAh) components.Powerful, robust, reliable with up to 25 minutes flight time.
This would make it the most efficient leisure drone of 500gr in its class, the market has seen.
On the propulsion side, the four three-blade propellers powered by four brushless outrunner engines offer great maneuverability during high speed flights. The Bebop 2 achieves bursts of speed of 37 mph horizontally and 13 mph vertically. It reaches its maximum speed in 14 seconds, brakes in 4.5 seconds and resists head winds up to 39 mph. It reaches an altitude of 328 feet in less than 20 seconds.
Connections
Connected in Wi-Fi MIMO (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) to the piloting Smartphone/tablet, the Bebop 2 will have stable connection for 984 feet.
In addition, numerous systems reinforce the safety of the flights: emergency cut-out feature of the engines, emergency cut-out feature of the propellers in case of contact, limitation of the altitude and of the flying perimeter, automatic return home feature. Its glass fiber reinforced (20%) PA12 chassis and its shockproof feet ensure high robustness of the structure. At the back of the machine, an LED enables the pilot to understand the direction of the flight while keeping the drone in sight.
Camera
Bebop 2 integrates a 14 megapixel “fish-eye lens” front facing camera specifically designed for it. Images are streamed live on the screen of the piloting device. Pilots can digitally change the angle of the camera by 180° by just sliding a finger on the screen. It can film or take pictures vertically! Digitally stabilized on 3-axis thanks to powerful algorithms, images are bright, perfectly stable and without distortion. Recorded in full HD (1080p) on the 8 GB flash memory of the Bebop 2, videos and photos (16:9; 4:3; fish-eye) can be transferred onto the piloting device or a computer.
Skycontroller Black Edition
Bebop 2 is compatible with Parrot Skycontroller Black Edition, an optional RC-like remote control enables an extended Wi-Fi range up to 6 561 feet. The pilot takes the helm of the drone via two hand controllers equipped with joysticks. The buttons of the controller can be customized to adapt to each profile. Running on Android, Parrot Skycontroller embeds FreeFlight 3 piloting application, making it possible to connect directly to the Bebop 2 without a smartphone or tablet. For an extreme experience, the Skycontroller connects via HDMI with the latest generations of FPV glasses (First Personal View). Acting as a co-pilot, a user can enjoy an immersive view of the flight and see live telemetry information, as if he were seated in the Bebop 2.
A “Radar” feature displays on the smartphone/tablet piloting screen or on FPV glasses, the position of the Bebop 2 in relation to the Skycontroller, as well as its direction. Pilot can also see if the drone is flying to the limit of the Wi-Fi signal generated by the Parrot Skycontroller antenna. This will help the pilot to be in alignment with the quadcopter, by following the directions displayed on the screen, to ensure a strong signal connection. The BEBOP 2 is available at a retail price of AED 2499 and additionally, the drone along with the Skycontroller retails at AED 3299 at Virgin Megastore.
