It’s that time of the year, and there are still many hot days to come, at least in our part of the world. Whether you’re a fan of the heat or not, there’s no question that hot weather can cause particular challenges for drone operations. We’d like to share a few tips for all X55 operators to keep in mind.
Controller Precautions:
Avoid Direct Sunlight. Keep the Herelink (or other) controller out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating. Use shaded areas whenever possible to keep the controller cooler.
Adjust Screen Brightness. Lowering the screen brightness can help reduce heat buildup during hot days.
Monitor Temperature Alerts. The controller has a self-diagnostic feature that detects high temperatures and will alert you on the screen. Make sure to take action if you see any of these.
Handle Overheating. If the controller shuts down due to heat, the X55 should automatically execute a Return to Launch (RTL) unless the failsafe setting has been altered. Allow the controller to cool down before restarting. If you have a secondary communication link connected, you can still command RTL.
X55 Precautions:
Here’s a quick summary of how air density affects the flight performance of rotary-wing aircraft. Air density refers to the amount of air in a given volume. When the ambient temperature rises, air molecules heat up and move faster, increasing the space between them and thus decreasing air density. As a result, rotary-wing aircraft must work harder to move the same amount of air to produce the same amount of lift. This leads to reduced performance and more power usage in hotter temperatures, and the X55 is no exception to this phenomenon.
Avoid Fast Vertical Descents. This is especially true when carrying heavy payloads. Slowing your descent and combining slight horizontal or spiral movements can reduce vortex ring effects (turbulent air caused by prop downwash).
Minimize Aggressive Maneuvers. Fly slower when carrying heavier payloads, especially when temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C). Accelerate and decelerate gradually when flying in manual mode with heavy payloads.
Storage and Transport Precautions:
Even if the outside temperature is around 90°F, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the internal temperature of a car to rise significantly, potentially reaching 140°F (60°C). Be aware of the dangers of extreme heat in vehicles.
Protect Flight Batteries. Do not leave flight batteries in a car for extended periods when the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C). Swelling or puffing of battery cells can indicate unhealthy batteries.
Store Properly. Avoid storing the X55 or the Hybrid Module in a car for long periods when temperatures are high.
Keep Gasoline in a Cool Place. Do not store gasoline inside your car.
By following these precautions, you can help ensure that your X55 operates smoothly and efficiently throughout the hot summer months. Happy flying!