Skyfront Unveils Perimeter 8+ WC Drone Using Water-Cooled Engine for Extreme Desert Operations.

On July 18, 2024, Skyfront, a pioneer in hybrid drone technologies, unveiled the Skyfront Perimeter 8+ WC, an innovative variant of its renowned Perimeter 8+ drone. This new model is specially designed with a water-cooled engine and heat-resistant avionics, enabling reliable operations even in the most extreme desert environments.
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Skyfront Perimeter 8+ WC Drone (Picture source: Skyfront)

Deserts, known for temperatures that can reach up to 50°C (122°F), pose significant challenges for conventional drones. These typically suffer from overheating batteries and air-cooled engines, leading to accelerated degradation and reduced lifespan. The Perimeter 8+ WC addresses these issues with advanced technologies that ensure performance and safety.

This technology was validated at the U.S. Army's White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The drone successfully carried heavy loads at high altitudes in broad daylight under temperatures of 45°C (113°F). These tests highlight the drone's capability to operate at 'density altitudes' often unattainable for standard multirotor drones.

Beyond its resilience, the Skyfront Perimeter 8+ WC stands out for its applicability in a variety of critical missions such as detecting land mines and other explosives, inspecting long infrastructures like pipelines and electrical lines, as well as geophysical exploration. This makes it not only a prime tool for defense operations but also for demanding commercial applications.

The Perimeter 8+, already deployed in over 30 countries and known for its exceptional endurance and payload capacity, can now be upgraded to the WC model. "We have seen how the Perimeter 8+ WC has enabled reliable and prolonged operations in the deserts of the Middle East, providing significant peace of mind for drone operators," explained Conrad Wright, CEO of Alchemy Analytics.

Troy Mestler, CEO of Skyfront, expressed his enthusiasm about the impact of this innovation: "Launching the first water-cooled hybrid-electric multirotor drone in the Middle East marks a significant milestone for the industry. The Perimeter 8+ WC is ready to transform operations under the most challenging conditions worldwide."

With this advancement, Skyfront reaffirms its leadership in the field of drone solutions tailored to modern challenges, underscoring its commitment to innovation and reliability in extreme conditions.

As a reminder, the Skyfront Perimeter 8 and Perimeter 8+ drones offer top-tier performance, suitable for a variety of demanding applications. The Perimeter 8+ notably excels in operating with heavier loads and over longer distances than its predecessor.

The Perimeter 8+ can fly for more than 5 hours without a payload, 3 hours with a 5 kg (11 lb) load, 2 hours with 7.5 kg (16.5 lb), and 1 hour with 10 kg (22 lb). Meanwhile, the Perimeter 8 provides 5 hours of flight without a payload, 3 hours with 4 kg (8.8 lb), 2 hours with 5 kg (11 lb), and 1 hour with 7.5 kg (16.5 lb).

The Perimeter 8+ can carry up to 10 kg (22 lb) for one hour, with a total takeoff weight that can exceed 25 kg (55 lb). The Perimeter 8 supports up to 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) for the same duration.

The Perimeter 8+ can reach a maximum range of 216 km (134 miles), while the Perimeter 8 can cover up to 177 km (110 miles). Regarding operating temperatures, the Perimeter 8+ can operate up to 50°C (122°F) with the high-heat upgrade, and 45°C (113°F) without it. The Perimeter 8 is limited to 45°C (113°F).

The maximum density altitude achievable by the Perimeter 8+ is 4000 meters (13,000 feet), compared to 2700 meters (9,000 feet) for the Perimeter 8. The Perimeter 8+ can reach a top speed of 70 km/h (44 mph), with a cruising speed of 35 km/h (22 mph). The Perimeter 8 can go up to 57 km/h (36 mph) with the same cruising speed.

Both models feature configurable radio communication from 433 MHz to 5.8 GHz and support various types of radios with AES128 or AES256 encryption. Their hybrid gasoline-electric propulsion system, combined with electronic fuel injection, ensures an electrical conversion efficiency of over 95%. The flight control firmware is based on Pixhawk/PX4, with multiple flight modes tailored to the specific needs of operations.