‘Gladius’Marine Biology Submarine Drone
$1,660.19
Gladius Mini S Underwater Drone(ROV)
The Gladius is a series of compact, tethered underwater drones (ROVs) primarily designed for underwater photography, exploration, and light inspection tasks. They are not typically used for large-scale “submarine rescue” operations, which require industrial-grade equipment, but they can be used in search and rescue efforts for locating lost items.
Key Features and Equipment
The Gladius drones, particularly the popular Gladius Mini S model (seen here), are equipped with sophisticated features for capturing high-quality underwater imagery:
- Camera System: They feature a 4K UHD camera with 12MP photos, a 1/2.3″ Sony CMOS sensor, F1.8 aperture lens, and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for smooth video.
- Lighting: Two adjustable 1200-lumen LED lights provide necessary illumination in low-light underwater conditions, with a color temperature of 5000K-5500K.
- Depth and Range: The drones can dive to a maximum depth of 100 meters (330 feet) and have a maximum horizontal range of up to 200 meters (660 feet) with the longer tether options.
- Maneuverability: Equipped with five thrusters (two vertical, two horizontal, and one for tilt control), the drone can move in multiple directions and achieve a maximum speed of 4 knots (2 m/s).
- Connectivity: The remote controller connects directly to the drone via a physical tether to ensure a stable, continuous signal without Wi-Fi disconnections underwater. The controller then uses Wi-Fi to connect to a smartphone or tablet for viewing the live feed and control.
- Attachments: The Gladius Mini S supports various mounts, including a grabber claw for retrieving small objects and a base for mounting a separate action camera.
- Portability: The entire system is designed to be portable, often coming in a hard-shell case or backpack, allowing for single-person operation and quick deployment.
- Applications in Photography and Videography: It is primarily used by enthusiasts and professionals to capture stunning visuals of marine life, coral reefs, and submerged structures.
- Inspections: Ideal for inspecting boats, anchors, moorings, and other underwater equipment without requiring a diver.
- Exploration and Research: Used by marine scientists and oceanographers for observation and data collection in a range of environments.
- Search and Rescue: While not a heavy-duty rescue tool, it can assist in locating lost items (like a lost action camera or an Apple Watch, as mentioned in one review) in clear water conditions.
Note: Please allow 25-30 for shipping