From the Drawing Board to the Skies: the development of Airolit S1
In the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), certain individuals drive innovation and set new benchmarks for the industry. Cameron Turnbull is one such pioneer. He has played a crucial role in the development of the Airolit S1, a drone that combines robust functionality with cutting-edge design, recently recognized with a design protection certificate.
Cameron Turnbull’s fascination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) began as a personal hobby. Over the past 12 years, this interest has evolved into a career, making him a seasoned expert in the field of drone technology. Since the inception of Airolit in 2017, Turnbull has been a cornerstone of the company, involved from the very beginning in shaping its vision and technological direction.
“When we first started, there were only three of us, so I handled a bit of everything. Now, I’m responsible for prototypes and concept development, and as a drone pilot, I spend quite a lot of time flying,” says Cameron.
Cameron’s multifaceted role means that he is not only responsible for the design of the drone but also for testing the drones under real-world conditions. His hands-on approach and deep technical knowledge have been instrumental in the development of Airolit’s standout project, the Airolit S1. Under his guidance, this drone was not only conceived and developed but also achieved a milestone by receiving design protection.
“This is the first project that we’ve fully developed from scratch, and it’s a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. The certificate now proudly hangs on our wall, a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work,” says Cameron.
There is a lot that goes into the development of a drone such as the Airolit S1 as a UAV designed for ISR and search and rescue in the Nordic climate. For example, the team integrated a new folding mechanism for rigidity and usability and adapted it to extreme temperatures from -20 to 50 degrees Celsius, leading to a final design using a mix of plastic and carbon fiber for optimal durability and performance. Regarding the shape of Airolit S1, Cameron has had the sketch in his head for years.
“I’ve always been passionate about design and have sketched out various concepts over the years. So, when the project started about a year and a half ago, I had an idea of how it should look, and it went quite quickly from there. Seeing the final product in flight now is truly amazing,” Cameron states.
Cameron emphasizes that the drone is the result of the entire team’s hard work. Although having the first prototype in the air was fairly easy, having the final product “tick all their boxes” was not.
“The design of the Airolit S1 may have been in my mind for quite some time, but it truly took the entire team to bring it to life. Every member of our company played a part in its creation, and it simply wouldn’t be the remarkable machine it is without our collective effort and passion.”
The Airolit S1 sets itself apart from competitors with its compact size yet ability to lift three kilos, offering a longer flight time and versatile payload options through a standard connector for easy integration. Unlike others, the Airolit S1 is meticulously crafted in Sweden with top-quality components, including a custom motherboard, ensuring reliability and the best performance without compromise.
“Throughout the development of the Airolit S1, we insisted on uncompromising quality in every aspect. For example, we chose not to settle for cheaper motors just to reduce costs because we were committed to delivering the best. Often in product development, compromises are necessary, but for us, achieving the highest standard without cutting corners was crucial—and seeing that dedication manifest in the final product is profoundly rewarding,” says Cameron.
Overall, the Airolit S1 gives the end-user a lot of options and can be tailored to their needs. Although the product is new to the market, Cameron states that there has been a lot of interest in the Airolit S1—and he can’t wait for the end-users to try it.
“It has been an incredible journey developing this drone from initial sketches to seeing it take flight and hit the market. Now, I just want to see people enjoying it,” he concludes.