Watts Innovations new commercial drone platform Prism

Maryland based drone manufacturer Watts Innovations has launched a transforming drone platform to serve the commercial market.  Prism drone platform allows for pilots to fly a versatile aircraft with variable propulsion, autonomous missions and wide array of payloads.

Watts Innovations is a small American drone manufacturer based in Maryland just outside of Baltimore.  Don’t let the underdog nature of this manufacturer fool you.  Watts innovations just launched their newest American made drone, the Prism.  Prism is a drone platform who has already leap-frogged some of the other drones announced just this week.  Prism has what no other drone does, variable propulsion.

Prism is meant to be the world’s most versatile aircraft according to Bobby Watts, Founder of Watts Innovations.  Prism will allow pilots to fly under a traditional quadcopter setup, or simply replace the arms to tote an additional 20lbs of payload around.  The versatility of the aircraft makes the commercial drone platform capable of completing the toughest drone jobs.

Fully loaded with 25lbs of payload and Prism has maxed out the Part 107 weight limit for drones at 55lb.  While the drone can carry a slew of payloads, its flexibility will offer most drone fleets an all-in-one package.  Drone programs and fleets can inspect bridges or map roadways.  Prism is a  commercial drone platform adds a level of flexibility most pilots haven’t seen yet.

Core Features of the Drone

These days every drone pilot expects their aircraft to fold in some sort of way.  Do we all just wish we were living in transformers? Either way, yes the drone folds!!  Watts Innovations created a drone that folds into a case that wont actually kill the dog when it falls over.  From the looks of the spec sheet included, the aircraft fits in a drone case about the size of the Inspire 2 case. (Just 4 inches longer)

Considering they can fit this aircraft into that small of a case is impressive. Most of us commercial drone pilots understand the limitation of cases. Once you go over a certain size doorways, elevators and shipping costs become headaches.

Folding drones are cool, but will it fly autonomous missions for mapping?  Yes it will.  This drone is not just another wonky drone claiming it will complete missions.  It is not a hodge podge of devices thrown together. Watts paired a digital transmission system, with an integrated controller and the Cube flight controller. This trio allows for digital video transmission at reasonable distances to empower industrial pilots.

Prism allows pilots to choose the mounting location for the payload.  How could this commercial drone platform really perform without dual mounting locations? Are you planning on inspecting a bridge and need to look up? Prism has you covered. That is one feature that makes this drone a true commercial platform. What if you need to map the empty arroyo below the bridge? Simply transfer the gimbal mount from above the aircraft to below.  This way the job can seamlessly continue on. No need for numerous aircraft to complete just one job.

Drone Platform made in America

Watts Innovations has taken the best features of numerous aircraft and slammed them all together.  Watts Innovations has empowered entry level drone pilots to the most advanced industrial operations.  The Prism drone allows pilots to:

1. fly autonomous missions,
2. select numerous payloads,
3. fly without geofencing
4. choose a gimbal mounting location
5. Change propulsion (on-the-fly) for heavy payloads like lidar
6. Securely & Digitally transmit data

Frankly speaking I cannot wait to get my hands on this aircraft. Watts Innovations, through Prism,  has created a true drone platform. As an American drone it is exciting yes. Albeit, this drone could not just replace one DJI drone… it could replace the whole fleet.

Prism Specifications

QUADCOPTER

PRISM, as configured as a Quadcopter, is a commercial drone platform that is maneuverable, light weight, quiet, efficient and speedy.

• MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 35lbs
• DRY WEIGHT (WITHOUT BATTERIES): 16lbs
• MAX PAYLOAD: 5lbs
• BATTERY REQUIREMENTS: 2x 12s 8,000 - 16,000mAh packs
• FLIGHT TIME: 10-45 Minutes (Dependent Upon on Payload / Battery Size)
• MAX TESTED SPEED: 60mph
• PROPELLER SIZE: 28"

COAXIAL X8

PRISM, as configured as an X8 Coaxial, is powerful, reliable, efficient and offers mechanical redundancy.

• MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 55lbs
• DRY WEIGHT (WITHOUT BATTERIES): 18lbs
• MAX PAYLOAD: 25lbs
• BATTERY REQUIREMENTS: 2x 12s 8,000 - 16,000mAh packs
• FLIGHT TIME: 10-45 Minutes (Dependent Upon on Payload / Battery Size)
• MAX TESTED SPEED: 60mph
• PROPELLER SIZE: 28"