GRIFF 300 Capable Of Lifting Nearly 500 Pounds, Flying Up To 45 Minutes

Is this the first look at a possible commuter drone? Griff Aviation has introduced the GRIFF 300, a multirotor aircraft capable of lifting nearly 500 pounds, according to the company.

Multiple media sources report that the aircraft is their first civilian professional drone to be certified by the FAA and EASA. Along with its 495 pound useful load, the aircraft can fly between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the payload. That payload package is fully customizable, according to the company, and can be configured for law enforcement and SAR operations.

In introducing the aircraft, Leif Johan Holand, the CEO of Griff Aviation, said they knew that safety "absolutely paramount for both the aviation industry and our potential, professional customers. For that reason we were determined to attain international aviation certification, which we have done.

“As a result, I am proud to say that we are the first company in the world to be selling certified drones to the professional market. This will open up new opportunities globally in a very demanding sector," he said.

The official launch of the GRIFF 300 was broadcast on Norwegian television.

Holand said that the aircraft is not intended to be a competitor to the helicopter market. “We quickly saw the product would be able to have a life of its own, but we are not competing with helicopter transport companies," he said. "We’re aiming at a professional market where the drones can be used by helicopter companies, the emergency services, the agricultural sector, as well as research and government agencies such as Statnett (responsible for the Norwegian power grid), the NVE (Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate) and the NGU (Norwegian Geological Survey).”

The company began as Magic Air, which was the only full-time aerial film crew in Norway, according to unmannedsystemstechnology.com. It was founded early in 2016 specifically to develop drone technology, and received support from Innovation Norway and Sykkylven Business Development. The aircraft developed by Magic Air are now being marketed under the Griff Aviation brand.

(Image provided by Griff Aviation)

FMI: http://griffaviation.com