+31 6 2223 4760 info@thedronebird.com

FAQ

Q: How does the drone bird work?

A: The drone bird is an ornithopter, and achieves lift and propulsion by flapping its wings and steering with tail flaps. When in full throttle, an observer launches, and the pilot remotely operates from the ground. The pilot will maneuver the drone bird to aggressively chase birds away. He can also direct flocks in any direction – effectively ‘herding’ them to safety. It is the combination of flying technique and silhouette of the apparent predator that make it successful at bird hazing.

Q: Why use a peregrine falcon design for the drone bird, and can I request different species?

A: We chose the falcon design because it is a predator that hunts birds from higher altitudes in open areas, like airports. Other predators like buzzards or hawks hunt lower to the ground for rodents. These therefore pose a much lower threat to birds. We also chose the design because falcons are the most widely recognized bird of prey on earth. There are different varieties of the raptor on every continent. This feature makes it versatile enough to conduct operations anywhere. They are also the most agile and fastest animal in the world. The average diving speed of a peregrine falcon is 320 kph (200 mph).

These characteristics strike fear into prey. Additionally, the shape and size of the animal lend themselves to engineering more than larger designs. Although we produce other models, like the eagle, they are not practical for daily wildlife management. Due to the increase in size and weight, the larger model requires more battery power. This limitation results in a reduction in flight time and ability to haze birds. However, we can create other species upon special request, depending on specifications.

Q: How do you know the drone bird is effective, and do birds habituate to it?

A: Over the course of several years, The Drone Bird Company and partners tracked bird populations and bird strikes on each project. This allows us to see how populations changed over time, and gauge reactions of different species in different activities. Data indicates this specific drone bird is highly effective in the majority of cases, and birds do not habituate. This overwhelmingly positive effect is likely due to the randomized, erratic, and aggressive nature of ‘hunting’ techniques pilots perform. An ongoing probe also confirms the effectiveness of the falcon drone bird.

Q: Does the falcon drone bird work on large bird species and other birds of prey?

A: Larger species of bird, such as turkey vultures, Canada geese, cormorants, and pelicans, do react to the falcon drone bird. They will startle and thereafter leave. In numerous instances, the field team intercepted flocks of Canada geese mid-flight. They break up the group, and redirect the geese away from high-risk areas, like active runways. Turkey vultures reacted in probes, and cormorants and pelicans were scared away in other projects. Birds of prey, like hawks, red kites, and falcons, exhibit agitation by the presence of another predator. They tend to approach the flacon drone bird in their territory, and afterward leave. The falcon drone bird can even ‘lure’ them away.

Q: Why use the falcon drone bird as opposed to traditional falconry?

A: Occasional use of live falconry helps to reinforce the perception of predation. Therefore, we view the drone bird and falconry as working hand-in-hand, and not in opposition. Like any bird hazing tool, falconry can be effective, but has some limitations. The benefit of the drone bird is that the operator is in complete control, all the time. It can also target specific birds and direct flocks. The drone bird flies all day, as many times as desired, and does not need to rest. There is no animal training or feeding. However, The Drone Bird Company supports cooperation with falconers and other hazing methods to reinforce long-term effectiveness.

Q: What are the specifications of the falcon drone bird ?

A: The falcon drone bird is 1 m in length and weighs 750-800 grams. Our engineers make the body out of plastic composite, and its wings of a foam composite. It flies in temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F), for up to 15 minutes. However, a flight will only last 2-4 minutes, as birds will typically be gone by that point. The falcon drone bird can fly against up to 20 kts winds with 25 kts gusts and mild precipitation. Although it can fly up to 4 km away, pilots do not fly beyond line of sight.

Q: How much area can one drone bird cover?

A: Although the drone bird is capable of flying several kilometers away, pilots never fly beyond line of sight. The maximum distance is typically about 300 m away from the pilot. Birds have excellent eyesight, so the effect can be up to 1,000 m away. During operations pilots work in one location at a time, covering multiple locations throughout the day. The aircraft is battery-powered and can complete multiple flights per location if necessary. Pilots keep several batteries with full charge on hand while working, and recharge them while in the field.

Q: Is the falcon drone bird autonomous, and does it have sensors or cameras?

A: The falcon drone bird currently requires a pilot on the ground, manipulating the controls. Our engineers are working toward autonomy within the next few years. Contrary to popular assumption, it also does not contain any sensors or cameras. It is only used for bird hazing in wildlife management operations. However, customers may request a camera installation in some cases.

Q: How much does the falcon drone bird cost ?

A: The falcon drone birds are for sale or lease. The company either provides their own professional pilots to perform the service, or leases two birds to a time to an organization. The lease includes maintenance and two replacement units. We also encourage the completion of a training course. The cost depends on the individual needs of the organization, who can request a free quote if qualified. Customers may request an order form as well.

Q: Why is a drone bird training important?

A: The falcon drone bird can be challenging to maneuver, especially in difficult weather conditions. Those who go through training not only learn how to operate the remote and fly safely, but also how to perform core maintenance and calibration. These are crucial skills a pilot must have so as not to have accidents and resolve basic mechanical issues and repair parts.

Q: Is the drone bird safe?

A: The falcon drone bird only flies in locations where it is safe and legal to do so. This means an acceptable area has ample space for turning maneuvers, and little or no human or large animal presence. Buildings, powerlines, and other obstructions should be at a considerable distance. Pilots work with resident wildlife specialists, USDA, Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Control, and other stakeholders to ensure safety. All pilots are fully trained, licensed, and authorized to fly in the project area. The unit itself is also contains failsafes which prevent it from presenting a risk to manned aviation and others. These failsafes include a preprogrammed geofence, return to home and return to launch functions, and a kill switch. We inspect units for safety before each flight, and pilots only fly if they are physically and mentally capable.

Q: Can I use the drone bird in a movie, on television, and performances?

A: The drone bird is primarily a wildlife management tool, but it has also been used in film, commercials, and large productions. Depending on the size of the flight area, weather, and tasks, the pilot must complete, The drone bird can be used for performance purposes. However, the project requires a thorough assessment by The Drone Bird Company.

Q: Where is the drone bird already used ?

A: The drone bird flies on projects in the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, UAE, South Korea, China, India, Kazakhstan, USA, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.

Q: How do I arrange a drone bird demo or request a quote?

A: You may inquire about a demo or quote by submitting your inquiry to info@thedronebird.com. You may also submit an inquiry online via our contact page here.