Drone Racing League launches street version of pro racing drone

Drone Racing League (DRL) have inbuilt drones traveling 90MPH+ having three-dimensional courses operated internationally. NBC in the US and Twitter have set it to premiere on 11th August with its latest season. In short, they are clearly saying that they are launching a “street ready” (consumer) version of the same drone used earlier in its races. The league has already got thousands of demands from viewers to make available the drones that the pilots use.

The pilots under this go through hundreds of drones, which are all hand-made in New York at their headquarters. Most importantly, the fans can now pre-order these drones on Kickstarter now and will ship in April 2020. If anyone is keen to get into FPV racing, you might want to consider combining this package with some of DJI’s racing gear – launched last month.

The $599 package might seem expensive to some, given that it’s far from everything you need to get started in FPV racing. You’ll need to separately buy a controller and a receiver, along with a pair of FPV goggles. And if you want HD video while you fly, you’ll need to buy an HD Box camera. The Racer4 is compatible with the Runcam 5, the Foxeer BOX2 and the GoPro Session.

DRL enters the consumer drone market with the Racer4 Street

The characteristics of Race4 Street has the same performance as of the pro model, but with a little refinement. For example, it will now be easier to swap parts like its plug-and-play electronics are part of a modular system that the league says can be repaired within 15 minutes. Where the Racer4 pro version has 1,000 LEDs so that pilots can more easily see it as it’s flying, the Racer4 Street will have just 100 LEDs. The Racer 4 generates over 16 pounds of thrust via its upgraded power system: 21v 5s 70C Lipo, 2510 1250kv motors and 7x4x3 inch props.

However, the drone will also come with DRL’s drone simulator for free, giving aspiring pilots a chance to get a feel of how Racer4 Street will perform in the real world. DRL recommends using the simulator first, as its drones can reach speeds of up to 90 miles per hour — twice that of most other consumer drones.

The company has said that the drone is essentially identical to official competition version. The only difference is that the Street version will have 100 LEDs and simplified electronics, and will not include DRL’s advanced radio package.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch the DRL Racer4 and the street model for everyone to experience the thrill and speed of professional drone racing. The DRL Racer4 will make our 2019 DRL Allianz World Championship Season more competitive than ever and finally give our fans what they’ve been asking us for: a DRL drone they can fly,” said DRL CEO & Founder, Nicholas Horbaczewski.

While definitely a niche product, DRL hopes that by making a consumer version of its racing drone that’s easier to assemble, it can spawn more interest in the nascent sport.