A communication system capable of hovering at a fixed location
Adopted as a Bycor ultra-high voltage BCM power supply
Equipped with a power architecture optimized for power density


Vicor announced on the 8th that a new type of multi-rotor drone using its solutions has been developed by Dragonfly Pictures (DPI).

DPI's military- and industrial-grade Unmanned Multirotor Aerial Relay (UMAR) tethered drone is weatherproof against rain, snow, dust, and heat, and is optimized specifically for saltwater marine environments. It also provides continuous power via the tether, enabling up to 400 hours of continuous operation and operation at altitudes of 500 feet.

However, these wired architectures present significant design challenges. To increase drone mobility and flight payload using the thinnest and lightest cables, power must be supplied from the host vessel to the multi-rotor drone at very high voltage and low current.
Operating at power levels of 8kW to 10kW, the UMAR drone is so powerful and rugged that it can maintain a persistent stationary position even under severe maritime storms.

The drone also has the power capacity and agility to accelerate rotor speeds in bursts for lift and yaw angles, allowing it to maintain altitude with instantaneous response times.

This is made possible by a PCB circuit with eight interconnected independent rotors that achieve high voltage conversion in a lightweight profile with a minimal footprint.

“Using Vicor’s power modules allowed us to reduce the weight of every component onboard the drone, enabling us to achieve higher altitudes, higher airspeeds and higher payloads,” said Joe Pawelczyk, Vice President of Operations at DPI. “Vicor’s power density is unmatched by any other company, allowing us to achieve the highest levels of maneuverability, performance and hover control.”