New battery extends flight time by 50%, improving efficiency in confined space inspections
Flyability Enhances Elios 3 with Longer Flight Time and Improved Efficiency
Flyability, a Swiss-based drone manufacturer known for its indoor inspection technology, has announced the release of a new high-capacity battery for its Elios 3 drone. The new battery offers up to 50% more flight time per charge, allowing for longer inspection missions with fewer interruptions. It became available for purchase on June 26, 2025.
The Elios 3 is a collision-tolerant drone designed for inspections in hard-to-reach or dangerous environments, such as inside tanks, tunnels, and industrial facilities. It is widely used in industries like oil and gas, mining, and nuclear energy, where remote data collection improves safety and efficiency.
Longer Missions, Fewer Interruptions
The new high-capacity battery provides 13 minutes and 30 seconds of flight time in a standard configuration—an increase from the previous 9 minutes and 10 seconds. According to Flyability, this upgrade allows operators to inspect more area during a single flight, improving both productivity and mission planning.
The battery also has double the recommended charge cycles compared to the standard version, which extends its usable life. This adds long-term value by reducing the frequency and cost of battery replacement.
Supporting the Push for Flight Optimization
The battery release is part of Flyability’s broader flight optimization initiative. This effort began with the introduction of Smart Return-to-Home, a feature that uses onboard automation and a flight management gauge to guide the Elios 3 back to its starting point using the shortest safe route.
The company will soon add another key feature: Resume Inspection. Launching in early July, Resume Inspection will enable the Elios 3 to return to the exact point where Smart Return-to-Home was triggered after a battery swap. The drone will then automatically continue the inspection using the most efficient path. This reduces downtime and lets pilots focus on data collection rather than manual navigation.
“Offering up to 50% more flight time per charge, the new battery enables pilots to cover more ground with fewer interruptions,” the company stated. “This saves flight time, improves operational efficiency, and allows pilots to focus on what matters most—data collection, not battery or flight time management.”
Compatibility and Upgrade Requirements
The new battery is compatible with all existing Elios 3 payloads. However, Flyability recommends that users review the user manual to understand how various payloads and environmental conditions may influence flight performance.
To operate the Elios 3 with the new battery, a firmware upgrade is required. Flyability has noted that the high-capacity battery will be showcased at select expos and trade shows. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the company for information on upcoming demonstrations.
About Flyability
Flyability develops drones and software solutions that allow for safe and efficient indoor inspections. Their technology reduces the need for workers to enter dangerous environments. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Flyability has offices in China, Singapore, and the United States. Their solutions serve industries ranging from chemical processing to water treatment.
For more information, visit flyability.com.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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