Reference Technologies Releases Hummingbird® Line of VTOL UAS

Reference Technologies has announced the release of three models of its Hummingbird® line of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

“After two and a half years of development and testing, the Hummingbird aircraft will begin customer deliveries in Q3 of this year,” said Allen Bishop, founder and president. The Hummingbird incorporates a proprietary design including external multi-rotors attached on the periphery of a central ducted fan. The Model I is battery powered with a medium flight duration and light payload capacity. The Model II is a hybrid powered UAS utilizing a gas powered electrical system which provides power to six external rotors surrounding a 19” electrically powered central ducted fan with two counter rotating fans. The Model II is a long flight duration and high payload aircraft. The Model III is an enhanced version of the Model II utilizing eight external rotors in conjunction with a 24” central ducted fan providing extended flight duration and payload capacity.

The Hummingbird product line is a first in the VTOL unmanned aircraft systems market with flight times in excess of 5 hours and payloads over 25 pounds. To further enhance the payload and mission flexibility of all three aircraft, each airframe is equipped with multiple hard points which can carry/release mission specific payloads. Direct flight control and preprogrammed flight plans are managed via a variety of ground control interfaces including Intel™, Android™ and iOS™-based devices.

The company will be introducing the Hummingbird products at the 2014 AUVSI Convention in Orlando, Florida from May 13th through the 15th.