2015 Parrot Airborne Cargo Drone - hands on with this fast, fun flyer [Review]

Full report at http://www.redferret.net/?p=49928 . The new Parrot Airborne Cargo Drone is a cool flyer which boasts a 9 minute flight time (with a 25 minute re-charge if you buy the optional fast charger), and the ability to carry small items on a top mounted bracket. We're probably not meant to mention LEGO, but that's what the top mount looks like.

The new quad also offers the same beautifully stable flight as the other Parrot products, thanks to some great on-board software and sensors. The whole thing is controlled via Bluetooth and a smartphone or tablet running the Parrot FreeFlight 3 app, and the craft is so rock solid you can easily fly it with one hand (as we prove in the video).

The Cargo also features a rudimentary top-down camera function which lets you take low resolution VGA photos while in flight (stored on 1GB of integrated flash memory), as well as the very handy one button launch and land buttons. You can also launch it by just throwing it in the air, although we were too timid to try that ourselves.

Not only does the drone speed along at 11 mph, but it can do tricks like somersaults etc, with just one press on the controller touchscreen. You get to look like a real skill jockey by cheating! At last! The app is available for both Android and iOS. The new product is part of a range of Parrot products launched this week, including new Jumping Drones and an innovative Hydrofoil Drone which is a flyer which can also convert into a hydrofoil for some waterborne fun.

The Parrot Airborne Cargo Drone is priced at $99 / £79.99.

Full report at http://www.redferret.net/?p=49928 .