The Flying Sun 1000, developed by Freefly Systems, is an innovative drone lighting system designed to provide industrial-grade illumination for applications such as construction, emergency response, search and rescue, security, and film production. Built on Freefly’s Alta X heavy-lift quadcopter platform, the system integrates 288 high-power LEDs distributed across four panels, producing an impressive output of 300,000 lumens—comparable to lighting used in stadiums. This capability allows the drone to “turn night into day,” making it a versatile tool for nighttime operations.
The Alta X drone itself is a robust platform capable of lifting payloads up to 33 pounds (15 kg). It features foldable, vibration-damping propellers and is powered by two 16-Ah lithium battery packs. In standard applications, the drone offers flight times ranging from 20 to 50 minutes depending on the payload. However, when equipped with the Flying Sun 1000 lighting system, battery life drops significantly due to the system’s high power demands. To address this limitation, the package includes a tethering option that allows the drone to be powered continuously by external sources such as portable generators or electric vehicles. When tethered, the system can operate indefinitely, while untethered operation is limited to five to ten minutes.
The lighting system projects a 60-degree cone of light that varies in intensity and coverage based on altitude. At 100 feet (30.5 meters), it illuminates an area of 14,000 square feet (1,301 square meters) with a brightness of 10 foot-candles—ideal for tasks requiring daylight-like conditions. At higher altitudes, such as 316 feet (96 meters), the illuminated area expands to 137,000 square feet (12,728 square meters), though brightness decreases to 1 foot-candle. This flexibility makes it suitable for diverse scenarios where adjustable lighting is critical.
One of the standout features of the Flying Sun 1000 is its rapid deployment capability. A single operator can set up and launch the system within minutes. This mobility and ease of use make it particularly advantageous in dynamic environments like disaster zones or construction sites where traditional lighting towers may be impractical due to setup time or terrain challenges. Additionally, the drone’s aerial mobility allows it to follow work crews or rescue teams, providing consistent lighting without requiring ground installations.
The system also incorporates an efficient cooling mechanism that uses the propeller downwash from the Alta X to prevent overheating of the LED panels. This design ensures durability and long operational life for the lights.
Despite its capabilities, the Flying Sun 1000 comes with a steep price tag of $59,995, positioning it as a solution primarily for commercial and government users. A less powerful version, the Flying Sun 500, is available for $49,995. While traditional lighting systems may be more cost-effective for fixed installations, the Flying Sun offers significant advantages in terms of mobility, rapid deployment, safety in hazardous areas, and reduced labor costs over time.
The Freefly Systems’ Flying Sun 1000 is a novel approach to portable aerial lighting, addressing longstanding challenges in industries requiring reliable nighttime illumination.
More information is available here.
All images: Freefly Systems
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