Orkid has announced a new variant of its ORKID 260 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone, bringing together four of the most advanced aerial data capture technologies into one integrated, NDAA-compliant system.
The ORKID 260VTOL integrated drone combines LiDAR, photogrammetry, GNSS, and Starlink satellite connectivity onboard, allowing all systems to operate simultaneously. The drone features the YellowScan Surveyor Ultra LiDAR, Phase One P5 camera, Trimble Applanix APX-RTX GNSS with real-time corrections, and native Starlink SATCOM integration.
Unlike other systems that require multiple flights or separate payloads, the ORKID 260 is designed to perform all data collection functions in one mission, providing seamless calibration, synchronization, and data management.
“Professionals have long had to choose between LiDAR or photogrammetry, between local GNSS corrections or limited-range communications. The ORKID 260VTOL eliminates that trade-off,” said Santiago Pinzon, CEO at Orkid. “For the first time, you will be able to fly one aircraft, on one mission, and capture survey-grade LiDAR, ultra-high-resolution imagery, centimeter-level positioning, and control it all live over Starlink—from anywhere in the world.”
Integrated Collaboration Across Partners
The system is the result of a collaboration between Orkid and industry partners YellowScan, Phase One, and Trimble. The integration enables real-time synchronization across all sensors and systems, combining Trimble’s APX-RTX technology with Orkid’s hardware design to produce centimeter-level accuracy and streamlined workflow efficiency.
“This is not just another UAV with a payload bay,” said Andres Escobar. “It will be the first fully engineered system where every component—LiDAR, camera, GNSS, and SATCOM—work together out of the box. The partnerships with YellowScan, Phase One, and Trimble have been critical in making that possible.”
Engineered for Precision and Endurance
Built on an all-electric, NDAA-compliant architecture, the ORKID 260VTOL is aimed at applications including mapping, surveying, utilities, oil and gas, defense, and critical infrastructure inspection. The aircraft’s estimated endurance is 1.5 hours with a range of up to 75 miles.
Key features include dual-modality mapping using LiDAR and photogrammetry in a single flight, Trimble RTX real-time corrections, and Starlink connectivity for global command and control.
The ORKID 260VTOL sets a new benchmark in integrated aerial mapping and inspection systems, providing users with an efficient, secure, and sustainable solution for capturing high-precision data.
For more information or to schedule a demo, visit www.orkid.tech.
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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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