Supporting a total takeoff weight of 18 pounds, the Spreading Wings S900 with Z15-GH4 (HD) Gimbal and A2 Flight Controller is a hexacopter from DJI that allows you to capture aerial video using a separately available Panasonic GH4 or GH3 camera. It features carbon fiber frame arms to cut down on weight, which fold down for storage and transport. The included Z15-GH4HD gimbal helps keep the camera stabilized and isolated from vibration, and allows you to pan, tilt, and even cant the camera for more dynamic shots. Used with a 6S 12000mAh battery, available separately, the S900 can fly for up to 18 minutes fully laden.
This version of the S900 features the DJI A2 flight control system, a collection of hardware which acts as the hexacopter's brains. It takes data from the GPS, gyros, barometer, and other sensors while applying any pilot inputs to help ensure stable flying and smooth video. The A2 can be configured for different flying styles and pilot skill levels, with features like Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC), Point of Interest (POI), one motor fail protection, and a Return-to-Home fail safe in the event contact is lost with the transmitter. Thanks to CAN-bus peripheral ports, A2 can integrate other accessories, such as the Lightbridge unified video, data, and control system.
For stabilizing and moving a camera in flight, this bundle features the Zenmuse Z15-GH4 (HD) 3-axis gimbal. The airframe features a dampened gimbal mounting bracket with a low mounting position. Additionally, the landing gear can be raised, allowing an unobstructed 360-degrees of visibility. At the moment the gimbal is calibrated for used with the Oympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f.2.0 lens, however support for additional lenses may be added in the future. The HD version of the gimbal provides an HDMI output for use with the separately available Lightbridge system, plus there is a composite video out for 5.8 GHz analog video transmitters.
The S900 is not a ready-to-fly (RTF) aircraft. It does require some assembly and a transmitter (hand-held radio controller) and batteries are not included. Transmitters the A2 supports include the Futaba FASST and DJI DESST series. For power, it uses LiPo flight batteries in 6S configuration, with a 10,000 to 15,000 mAh capacity, and requires a discharge rate of at least 15C.