First in the R3's line of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is SkyBot.  SkyBot is designed specifically to meet requirements of civilian users, including law enforcement, firefighting, land surveying, border protection, infrastructure inspection and other professionals with similar needs.

SkyBot delivers features found only within high-end military systems at a fraction of their cost. 

SkyBot is based on coaxial rotor helicopter platform pioneered by Russian helicopter designer Nikolay Kamov in 1938. The first helicopter of this design has flown in 1946. For over 50 years, Kamov Design Bureau in Russia builds full-size helicopters based on coaxial rotor concept. The most well-known helicopters of this design are Ka-26 Hoodlum, Ka-32 Helix and Ka-50 Hokum.  Coaxial rotor helicopters are superior to those of the classical design because they have approximately 30% more lifting capacity with the same rotor size, while being safer to operate and easier to handle. They are also more maneuverable and stable than classic helicopters.

SkyBot is designed as a remotely controllable vehicle to allow safe and reliable operations within direct line of sight, including assisted takeoff and landing, easy and seamless operations in the air.  SkyBot can be equipped with imaging payloads of a customer’s choice, including gimbaled high-resolution imaging systems, direct downlink XVGA feed, LWIR imaging, etc.  Alternatively, SkyBot can be equipped with various payload delivery options, such as NLWs, and communication relay containers.

SkyBot is powered by a reliable and quiet jet turbine.  Unlike vehicles with internal combustion engines, SkyBot does not need to be manually adjusted for different temperatures or altitudes.  It starts with a simple push of a button, makes less noise and dramatically reduces vibration.  Jet-powered helicopter platform also outperforms electric helicopters due to its vastly higher power-to-weight ratio.

With collapsed rotors, SkyBot fits into virtually any car or van and is easy enough for a single person to transport and fly.  SkyBot can be operated by users with minimum training because all piloting tasks are performed by the onboard self-adapting controller.  The user simply commands SkyBot to go where it needs to using a small handheld transmitter.  There is no need for extensive ground operations – just take the SkyBot out of a vehicle, put it on the ground, turn on the video screen, start it and fly. 

SkyBot has following technical characteristics:

• Main rotor span of 2.5 m (8 ft)
• Maximum takeoff weight – 25 kg (55 lbs)
• Empty weight without payload – 16 kg (35 lbs)
• Rotor span – 2.5 m (8’)
• Maximum endurance – 2 hrs
• Practical ceiling – 8,000’
• Imposed ceiling limit – 400’ (user-configurable)
• Engine – 6.3 kW (10 bhp) two-stage turboshaft
• Fuel – JET-A mix with oil
• Maximum distance – 3.5 km (2 nm)
• Maintenance interval – 50 hr
• Maximum speed – 100 kts

 Watch SkyBot's maiden self-learning flight: