Flowcopter’s Innovative Hydraulically-Propelled Drone is Claimed to be World’s First, Has 500-Mile Range – TechEBlog

H/t: Gizmodo
The problem with most drones today is that they typically can fly for 1-hour maximum before needing to be recharged, but Flowcopter’s new multicopter aims to change that. Rather than electric motors, it’s powered by aviation-certified combustion engines using Digital Displacement pumps repurposed from the industrial applications to run hydraulic motors at the props. These are capable of distributing and regulating hydraulic flow between a number of different outputs, each producing 96 kW (129 hp) of power. Read more for a test video and additional information.

Sure, the Digital Displacement pump, engines and fuel system combined most certainly weighs more than an electric powertrain, but considering that this one can run for up to 6-hours over 560-miles on a single tank of gas, the tradeoffs are worth it. It won’t be able to just fly, as the payload capacity is 150 kg (330 lb), so you’ll be able to haul photography equipment for aerial shots.

DJI Mini SE – Camera Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal, 2.7K Camera, GPS, 30-min Flight Time, Reduced Weight, Less Than 0.55lbs / 249 gram Mini Drone, Improved Scale 5 Wind Resistance, Gray

• Light as a Smartphone – Weighing less than 0 55lbs / 249 grams, DJI Mini SE is roughly the same weight as the smartphone. In the United States and Canada, you can fly this camera drone without the need to register your drone with the local government.
• Capture on the Go – The lightweight and powerful DJI Mini SE camera drone is the ideal for creators on the move. The ultra-portable design allows you to effortlessly capture moments in unforgettable ways.
• More Time in the Sky – DJI Mini SE’s weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer drones on the market. Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery.
• Capture the Detail – DJI Mini SE supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear ultra-smooth footage.
• Upgraded Wind Resistance – DJI Mini SE can resist 29-38kph winds and take off at a max altitude of 4,000 meters, so your footage is stable even when flying along a windy coastline or high above an alpine forest.