After announcing the next-gen Parrot Bebop 2 drone last year, Parrot has announced that the drone will be launching at retailers in Australia later this month.
The Bebop 2 drone is fast, sleek and robust with extended flight times up to 25 minutes with the 2700 mAh battery, the first 500gram drone to offer that sort of flight time. Just like previous models, the Bebop 2 is smartphone or tablet controlled through Wi-Fi (MIMO) on 2.4GHz and 5GHz with a range up to 300 metres or 2 kilometres when paired with the optional SkyController.
The SkyController is a radio-control like controller which you can use to get extra performance out of the drone using the two hand controllers equipped with joysticks, including that extra range. Adventurous pilots can also connect to headsets to offer a First Person View for ultimate drone flight.
The Bebop 2 is equipped with a digitally stabilised camera platform that can take 14MP photos or FullHD (1920x1080P) resolution video in 16:9; 4:3; or fisheye on the 8GB of flash memory installed inside.
Parrot’s Bebop 2 is a highly manoeuvrable drone with a 3-axis control system which is capable of flying up to 60km/h horizontally and 21km/h vertically, reaching top speed in 14 seconds and can stop in just 4.5 seconds. It can also fly in extreme conditions with the ability to fly in head winds up to 63km/h. It’s also equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chipset (GPS + GLONASS) to stabilise the drone at high altitudes.
The Parrot Bebop 2 drone uses the Free Flight 3 app which is available from Google Play. Free Flight 3 gives access to Drone Academy and which can be purchased through in-app purchase allowing pilots to download Flight Plan which for creation of pilots automatic flight plans.
So, how much will this cost? The Bebop 2 will cost AU$899.99/NZ$949.00 or if you would like the Bebop 2 and SkyController you’ll be paying AU$1,299.99/NZ$1,399.00. Pre-orders will be going live shortly at Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, leading consumer electronic stores, hobby stores, photo stores & online (oh and Apple will sell it too) before it goes on-sale later this month.
