DX-3 Vanguard
FIXED-WING DRONE
The DX-3 Vanguard is the most disruptive long-range drone to enter the market, with a specialization in extended flight duration, remote inspections, and motoring. The DX-3 Vanguard features hydrogen fuel cell batteries – capable of 25hrs of flight, LiDAR and Infrared cameras, and is capable of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight.
The Vanguard is designed to perform in challenging conditions and deliver live data processing. It can carry up to 3kg of payload. It has sensors, including high-resolution cameras, and can also be used for LiDAR Imagery for 3D mapping.
Key Features
- 24-Hour flight time
- 1500km Range
- Satellite, Radio, and Cellular capabilities providing beyond visual line-of-sight
- Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)
ISO
Front
Back
Side
Top
DX-3 SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
| Wingspan | 4.0 m |
|---|---|
| Length | 2.4 m |
| Height (landing gear extended) | 0.685 m |
| Height (landing gear retracted) | 0.45 m |
WEIGHT
| w/ max gas | 34 kg |
|---|---|
| w/ VTOL batteries + max gas | 41 kg |
| w/ VTOL batteries + max. gas + max. payload | 46 kg |
| Airframe and Avionics Only | 27.3 kg |
FLIGHT PARAMETERS
| Cruise speed | 90 to 112 km/h (25 m/s to 28 m/s) |
|---|---|
| Min/Max speed | 60 km/h (stall) to 144 km/h |
| Min/Max AoA | -8 to +8 degrees |
| Wind resistance | 30km/h crosswinds |
| Service Ceiling | 4.0 m |
| Operating Temperature | -15 to +40℉C (-4 to 104℉F) |
AVIONICS & SAFETY
| Payload Options | EO/IR, LiDAR mapping, HD infrared, Laser Spectrometer, custom options available |
|---|---|
| Collision Avoidance | Short-range LiDAR range-finding Computer vision avoidance ADS-B (space-based or ground-based) |
| Location | GPS, optional RTK |
| Pilot Navigation | 3 x FPV camera (front, left, right) + GPS |
| Key Safety Features | Triple-redundant IMU Failsafe modes (e.g. hover, return to home) Optional 1.5kg parachute (detracts from payload mass) |
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
| Forward Flight | gas engine |
|---|---|
| VTOL | 4 x ducted fans + rotated gas engine |
| VTOL Batteries | 2 x 3.7 kg LiPo batteries (ea. 16000mAh) Chargers included, 12 min. fast charge per battery |
| Gasoline fuel | Up to 7kg of automotive-grade gasoline |
VTOL TRANSITION PARAMETERS
| Total VTOL Hovering Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Climb to 30m (100ft) | ~15 seconds |
| VTOL Transition | 12 seconds (no wind) |
| Note: | transition is automated |
LOGISTICS
| Deployment Time | 5 min to unpack/setup, 5 min to take down/pack |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Schedule | 1,200 hours (MTBOH) |
| Standards | STANAG 4586, DO-256B, IP54 |
| Regulatory | Transport Canada Compliant UAV (in progress) ITAR-free (except for some payloads) |
| Ground Control Station | 5 x 2’ Pelican-encased GCS, fits on 6 x 3’ foldout table Alternative: Mercedes Sprinter with ‘mobile command centre’ loadout |
COMMUNICATIONS
| Radio | 900MHz and 2.4GHz radios, up to 10km Directional antenna and amplifiers may extend to 100km |
|---|---|
| Cellular | 3G & 4G LTE, capable of streaming live payload, telemetry, and control data |
| Satellite | GEO satellite constellation, global coverage Up to 100 kbps for telemetry, control and pilot FPV cams |