CHCNAV debuts rotor UAV for precise aerial applications

CHC Navigation has introduced the X500 rotor UAV, designed to meet the demands of precision aerial operations. Its capabilities make it a valuable tool for tasks such as surveying, urban monitoring and infrastructure inspection.

Equipped with advanced navigation and safety features, the X500 rotor uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV or 'drone') by CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) meets the demands of professional operations. Dual GNSS and triple IMU redundancy enhance positional accuracy and reliability, whereas integrated millimetre-wave radar provides precise obstacle detection. The drone’s video transmission system supports HD feeds over distances of up to 20km, and its V-SLAM visual positioning ensures accuracy for tasks such as landing on moving platforms.

The X500 is designed to handle diverse payloads, with a capacity up to 5kg and flight durations of up to 58 minutes – or 50 minutes when equipped with the CHCNAV AA10 Lidar system. Its open SDK and compatibility with the Mavlink protocol allows seamless integration with both CHCNAV sensors and third-party equipment. Built for demanding conditions, the X500 features an IP55 rating, and performs reliably in winds of up to 12m/s.

Wide variety of mission options

“The X500 marks a major step forward in professional UAV technology, offering exceptional flight performance and versatile payload options. Its rugged design and intelligent features provide professionals with a reliable solution for aerial data collection,” said Byron Yuan, director of 3D mobile mapping at CHC Navigation.

One of the X500’s standout features is the innovative power system, enabling up to 58 minutes of flight time. According to CHCNAV, the BS10 charging station minimizes downtime by charging six batteries from 20% to 90% in just 40 minutes, while hot-swappable batteries ensure uninterrupted operations during extended missions.

Complementing the X500’s hardware is CHCNAV's SmartGo ground control software, which simplifies mission planning and offers real-time flight monitoring. With various flight path options and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities, SmartGo ensures safe, efficient operations while providing full control over mission parameters.