Chasing Gladius Mini S underwater drone - how is it different from its predecessor?

One of the leading manufacturers of underwater drones - Chasing has launched a new drone - Gladius Mini S. This is a new, improved version of the Gladius Mini drone, which was sold out and discontinued. In this article, we will describe exactly what has changed, what has remained, and whether the new model is worth considering.

The construction and appearance of the underwater drone has remained the same

The manufacturer has maintained the modern look of the drone, which is no surprise, because the Gladius Mini model won the Red Dot Design Award in 2019 - considered one of the most prestigious awards in the field of industrial design. The drone features a streamlined design inspired by biology - with gill-shaped drainage and low resistance, making it exceptionally stable.

The sheer weight of this small underwater drone (approx. 3kg) means that a single person can use it comfortably, and launching it together with the connection takes only 3 minutes.

Greater reach

Most of Chasing's underwater drones are connected to the controller with a cable, which allows for a fast, interference-free live view. The length of the cable determines how far the drone can go. In the case of the Gladius Mini S, there are two options available: 100 and 200m, while in the previous model there were only 50 and 100m. This opens up new possibilities for exploring water bodies.

Another parameter that determines the capabilities of an underwater drone is the depth to which it can dive. Both the Gladius MINI and S models have a maximum depth of 100m.

Engines with increased power

The Gladius Mini S underwater drone is equipped with five motors, but with increased power compared to its predecessor. Three motors are directed upwards and provide control of the drone in all directions, and two rear motors directed backwards drive the underwater device at a speed of up to 4 knots. Additionally, the drone is equipped with Anti-Stuck Motor technology, which makes the drone operate safely and reliably in all kinds of complicated underwater conditions.

Battery with longer operating time

The battery capacity has been increased, which has allowed the operating time to be extended by 70% compared to the previous model. The operating time depends on the maneuvers the drone performs. For example, if the machine is floating in a mild environment, it can work for 4 hours. However, if it is continuously floating at maximum speed and uses the highest light output, the operating time will be one hour. This is a great result compared to other models available on the market at this price.

The most interesting improvement - the possibility of mounting accessories

Unlike the previous model, the Gladius Mini S drone can be connected to various accessories such as a mechanical arm, additional lighting or even a GoPro camera. Previously, this option was only available in the Chasing M2 model at a price of over PLN 13,000. The manufacturer has met the expectations of people who need unique solutions.

Will the new underwater drone capture better footage?

Konrad Lorenz once said, "Light needs shadow." In the case of drones taking underwater shots, it would be more appropriate to say, "A photo needs light." Without it, no photo will come out, because the matrix will have nothing to record. That is why the power of the lamp built into the drone is so important. The new Gladius MINI S has two built-in lamps with a brightness of 2000 lumens each. This is a big difference compared to its predecessor, whose lamps had a power of 2x 1200 lumens.

The main parameters of the camera have not changed. The matrix has remained the same, the drone records in great quality 4K 30 fps and takes 12 Mpix photos. The camera's angle of view has been increased from 95 degrees to as much as 152 degrees, which means you can see more in real time. The ISO range has also been increased from 3200 to 6400.

Summary

The Gladius Mini S underwater drone is a device that combines the features of drones from the lower and higher price range. The manufacturer has retained in the drone what has already proven itself while adding new, desirable solutions and improvements. The drone is characterized by a long battery life, long range and a great quality camera, and the possibility of mounting additional accessories means that it can be used in a wide range of applications.

If you are interested in underwater drones, read our articles Chasing M2 Vs Chasing M2 Pro and Underwater Drone - device maintenance.