Good Things Come in Small Packages

One of the differentiators of Vertiq technology from competitors is the integrated electronic speed controller (ESC). This enables a wide range of performance benefits and unique control capabilities, but in this post, we are specifically focusing on Vertiq’s products’ physical attributes, compared to their closest competitive motor and ESC package.

Mass

Key aerial vehicle specifications include its standalone mass and max payload capacity. These specs largely dictate the motor-ESC-propeller combination, the battery, and the sensory or delivery payloads, among other things. By reducing the mass of the propulsion system, a vehicle will either fly longer or be able to carry additional payload. Due to Vertiq's integrated design, its modules are much lighter than competitive packages.

For example, the Vertiq 81-08 module has 6.1% less mass than its closest competitor, freeing up an additional 18.8g per module and 75.2g per quad.

Volume

Vertiq’s products also have less volume compared to competitive solutions. For example, Vertiq’s 81-08 module has a volume of 1.7x105 mm3, which is 3% less than a competitively sized, separate motor and ESC. But does less volume actually make much of a difference to a vehicle?

Motors are typically at the extremities of the UAS, so their volume is relatively unimportant because there are fewer space constraints at the ends of the vehicle’s arms. ESCs, however, are usually stored within the central hub of the UAS or in the vehicle arm, so ESC volume does have an impact on the vehicle design. Vertiq builds in its ESCs under the motor, so they have a negligible impact on vehicle design. Common competitive ESCs often must be built into the vehicle’s central hub or arms. Their volumes are 4.1x104 mm3. While this volume may not be detrimental to the vehicle’s performance, it must be considered in vehicle design.