As the commercial UAS industry continues to expand and diversify, one manufacturer stands out for its quiet yet consistent delivery of cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2016, Wingtra specializes in hybrid VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAS aircraft, focusing on large-scale photogrammetry and LiDAR mapping.
Unlike competitors such as DJI, Wingtra's aircraft can cover significantly more area on a single flight compared to the Matrice 350. Furthermore, Wingtra boasts LiDAR capabilities which set it apart from brands like Skydio, Autel, and Parrot. Despite being based in Zurich, Switzerland, Wingtra has earned a unique accolade: its VTOL systems are included on the Blue List, approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for safe and reliable use.
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| Looking at Wingtra UAS and DOD Approval |
The WingtraOne VTOL system stands out for its unique combination of the efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft with the flexibility of vertical take-off and landing, enabling operations in diverse environments. Referenced from it’s website, below are a few of the many advantages using a VTOL.
• Efficient Operations: WingtraOne can map from 2 to 14 times more area compared to multicopter and traditional fixed-wing drones, significantly reducing mapping time and labor costs.
• Flexible Deployment: Requires only a 2x2 m space for take-off and landing, allowing access to confined or rugged terrains where other drones cannot operate.
• Minimal Impact Landing: Protects valuable sensors and extends equipment lifespan by avoiding the harsh impacts associated with belly landings typical of fixed-wing drones.
• Speed and Coverage: With a flight time of up to 59 minutes and the ability to cover 110 hectares at the lowest ground sampling distance (GSD), WingtraOne facilitates rapid data collection for large-scale projects.
To see the WingtraOne in Action, visit their website or the following YouTube Video:
WingtraOne's photogrammetry capabilities are marked by its high-resolution imaging and extensive aerial coverage:
• High-Resolution Camera: Equipped with a 61 MP camera, WingtraOne captures detailed images with a GSD down to 0.7 cm/px, offering image quality not common in the commercial UAS industry. .
• Large Area Coverage: Efficient fixed-wing flight allows the aircraft to cover extensive areas quickly—up to 310 hectares at 1.9 cm/px GSD in a single flight, making it ideal for large-scale industrial and agricultural projects.
• Reduced Need for GCPs: High precision PPK GNSS receiver enables accurate mapping with fewer ground control points, reducing setup time and increasing overall efficiency.
In addition to a variety of photogrammetry payloads, Wingtra also has a new LiDAR option which was released earlier this year.
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| Looking at Wingtra Payload Options Source: Wingtra.com |
Wingtra’s lightweight LIDAR sensor is competitive when compared against other LiDAR sensors in the UAS industry:
• Detailed Point Density: Achieves up to 660 pts/m² at 45 m AGL with triple return, capturing fine details even through dense vegetation and on complex terrains.
• Versatile Coverage Options: The drone provides flexible mapping options with effective point densities tailored to various surface conditions—from hard surfaces to high vegetation.
• Absolute Accuracy and Range: Delivers vertical absolute accuracy down to 3 cm at 90 m, with a laser scanner capable of reaching up to 300 m, ensuring precise and reliable mapping data across expansive areas.
• Advanced Laser Scanner Technology: Utilizes a Hesai XT32M2X laser scanner with a 90º horizontal and 40.3º vertical field of view, supporting three returns for comprehensive data collection.
Below is an example point cloud taken from Wingtra's website. To interact with the point cloud, click here: https://api2.lidarmill.com/artifacts/987c843f-cf93-4e0d-a32e-dec912449729/cloudviewer
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| Looking at Example LiDAR Point Cloud from Wingtra |
While Wingtra may not have the same level of mainstream recognition as UAS giants like Autel, DJI, and Skydio, it has carved out a unique niche in the industry. This distinction is built on its innovative VTOL technology, superior photogrammetry capabilities, and advanced LiDAR systems—features that many competitors have yet to match or replicate effectively. As Wingtra continues to push the boundaries of UAS technology, it is poised to introduce even more innovative solutions that will likely redefine standards in aerial mapping and surveying. The future looks promising for Wingtra, and its ongoing developments are eagerly anticipated by industry professionals and technology observers alike.
