Intel today announced the Intel Falcon 8+ system, an advanced drone with full electronic system redundancy that is designed with safety and performance for the North American markets. The Intel Falcon 8+ is outfitted for industrial inspection, surveying and mapping geared toward professionals and experts. This system also includes the Intel Cockpit for ground control and the IntelPowerpack smart battery as the power supply.

Intel's new drone is based on the AscTec Falcon 8 model, which is available in the market and continues to be the leading platform for this segment.

The Intel Falcon 8+ is a patented V-form octocopter powered with AscTec Trinity technology - a triple-redundant autopilot with three redundant inertial measurement units that compensate for external influences like electromagnetic fields or strong winds.

The UAS has automated aerial-sensing solutions onboard sensors, providing detailed orthography down to millimeter accuracy ground sample distance (GSD). Consistent way point automation enables reproducible flights for structural analysis.

The Intel Falcon 8+ system shares similar features with its predecessor, the AscTec Falcon 8: best performance and weight-to-payload ratio in the entire market; highest stability in harsh conditions; exchangeable and deeply integrated payloads; safety including robustness against magnetic field disturbances; and high-precision GPS.

Intel Cockpit is a redesigned mobile ground station with a water-resistant user interface, part of the Intel Falcon 8+ unmanned aerial system. With the integrated Intel-based tablet, operators are able to plan and execute complex missions.

The Intel Cockpit integrates independent control and safety features with low-latency digital video link. This supports payloads with up to 1080p resolutions for live view. It also incorporates a new joystick for single-hand flight control.

Intel Powerpack smart batteries power the Intel Falcon 8+ drone and the Intel Cockpit and feature automatic balancing, storage mode, charging and LEDs that display remaining battery life. The battery is small enough to meet airline shipping requirements.

Drones are an important computing platform for the future, and Intel is positioning itself at the forefront of this opportunity to provide the compute, sensor, communications and cloud integration for the growing drone ecosystem.