![]() The Anafi USA incorporates precisely zero collision avoidance sensors. In this regard, Parrot isn’t just marching to a different drummer, it’s sitting alone in the corner playing the theremin. Starting with the Skydio 2 from the eponymous manufacturer, the trend within the industry is moving inevitably towards 360-degree collision avoidance systems-front to back, left to right, top to bottom-your aircraft will be able to “see” everything around it, and sound an alarm if it gets too close. These drones make extensive use of binocular camera arrays and machine vision systems to build up a 3D model of the environment to help you avoid running into things, like trees, buildings, telephone poles, etc. Read the list of specifications for any drone with the same general capabilities as the Anafi USA, like the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced or the Autel Evo II Dual and you’re going to find yourself reading a lot about sensors-specifically, collision-avoidance sensors. I will say that the Anafi USA is definitely quieter than other aircraft with comparable capabilities, and with its powerful zoom lens, it is capable of conduct up-close surveillance of a subject who is unable to hear it-an ability of potentially keen interest to law enforcement officers facing dangerous tactical situations. ![]() So, is any of that true? I have no idea-I’m a pilot, not an aeronautical engineer. The pilot can select from three color palettes while employing the Anafi USA’s integrated FLIR thermal imaging camera: white-hot (top), black-hot (middle), and fusion (bottom). ![]() Thus, the company claims: “Anafi USA emulates a rotor whose power is higher than the theoretical capacity of its diameter,” and, “The tonal sound power of the anterior edge of the blade, is minimized, lowering the noise of the flight.” It allows the propellers to turn more slowly while applying greater torque. According to the company, this design was inspired by the pectoral fins of humpback whales. I have never once seen a drone hit its advertised flight time, but I have logged flights more than 27 minutes with this platform-and that’s lot closer than most aircraft I test.īeyond its lightweight construction, Parrot attributes this performance to the scalloped trailing edges of its propellers: a feature unique to this aircraft, to the best of my knowledge. The company claims a maximum flight time of 32 minutes. Their initial instinct might be that you got scammed.įirst impressions aside, the Anafi USA largely succeeds with this approach. Also, if you’re the “drone guy” at your local fire district or police department and you recommend purchasing the Anafi USA for your agency, keep this effect in mind when you introduce your chiefs to their new, $7,000 purchase for the first time. Nevertheless, expect to be surprised when you hold it in your hand for the first time. The ability to pitch its gimbal above the horizon gives the Anafi a big advantage in conducting thermal inspections: allowing the pilot to shift the background from the potentially hot surface (left) to the cool sky (right). Of course, that engineering approach has its limits, and those limits will no doubt be met much sooner while flying, and crashing, the Anafi USA: it is larger and heavier than its predecessor. That same characteristic also makes it more likely to withstand a crash with no or minimal damage-it just doesn’t weigh enough to hurt itself. However, it has since emerged as one of my favorite drones: its diminutive size and featherweight construction make it extremely efficient and quiet. I’ll never forget unboxing the original Anafi and feeling almost cheated when I saw how small and lightweight it was. Initially, this lack of heft can make the Anafi USA feel almost like a toy-but that not a bug, it’s a feature. It weighs 499 grams, compared with a stout 1.1 kilogram for the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced. The first thing you will discover when you lift the aircraft out of its robust, protective case is that it is lightly built, weighing less than half other aircraft of similar size and capabilities. ![]() Its imaging capabilities are legitimately powerful, and we’ll explore those in depth below, but let’s begin by considering the aircraft as a whole. The Anafi USA is a study in contrasts, and it is important to understand the implications of the choices Parrot made in its design before making a purchase decision. With its remarkable 32x visible-light zoom capability and mid-resolution thermal imaging camera, the Anafi USA is well-suited for deployment with firefighters, police officers and other public safety professionals. ![]()
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