A drone built exclusively for first responders that can reach speeds of more than three times faster than most of the commercial drones currently available is also able to recharge its batteries while in flight.
The 140mph Sonin Hybrid Recruit is able to do so because of its gasoline and battery-powered system, which the firm says it is in the process of patenting.
Unveiled by Atlanta-based drone manufacturer Sonin Hybrid, the Recruit can also fly for longer than three hours and comes equipped with a 30X optical/12X digital zoom4K video camera with fixed and mobile target tracking, a Forward Looking InfraRed camera with night vision, and a spotlight.
In a press release, Sonin Hybrid said its Recruit drone's enhanced capabilities will 'keep first responders safe and extend their missions' in a way that hasn't previously been possible.
The drone will do so by filling a huge gap in the market; despite the increasing prevalence of drones used by police, firefighters and other government officials, hardly any drones are designed specifically for first responders.
This is largely down to the limitations of battery-powered drones, which typically must reach a charging point within a short period of time. Ultimately, this means long-range missions aren't viable.
