Vision Aerial SwitchBlade-Elite Technical specifications

SWITCHBLADE-
ELITE
FLIGHT MANUAL
REVISION B | JANUARY 2018

REVISION HISTORY
2
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Description
A
March 2017
Initial Release
B
January 2018
Updated Images & Flight Modes

CONTENTS
3
CONTENTS
REVISION HISTORY ............................................................................................................. 2
CONTENTS............................................................................................................................ 3
OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................... 5
DISCLAIMER AND WARNING............................................................................................... 6
SAFETY................................................................................................................................. 7
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY .................................................................................................... 8
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 9
INCLUDED ITEMS................................................................................................................10
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................11
STORAGE CONFIGURATION DIMENSIONS.......................................................................11
FLIGHT CONFIGURATION DIMENSIONS............................................................................12
AIRCRAFT ............................................................................................................................13
BATTERY / CHARGING........................................................................................................13
FLIGHT OPERATIONS .........................................................................................................13
PAYLOADS...........................................................................................................................13
SETUP......................................................................................................................................14
SETTING UP THE SWITCHBLADE-ELITE ...........................................................................15
TEARING DOWN THE SWITCHBLADE-ELITE.....................................................................20
BATTERY INSTALLATION....................................................................................................24
BATTERY CHARGING..........................................................................................................25
BATTERY SAFETY...............................................................................................................26
CONTROLLER......................................................................................................................27
CONTROLLER ANTENNA CONFIGURATION .....................................................................28
MISSION PLANNING APP....................................................................................................29
PROPELLERS ......................................................................................................................30
FLIGHT MODES.......................................................................................................................32
FLIGHT MODE SWITCHES ..................................................................................................33
POSITION HOLD ..................................................................................................................34
ALTITUDE HOLD..................................................................................................................35
BRAKE..................................................................................................................................36

CONTENTS
4
AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT (AUTO)..........................................................................................37
LAND.....................................................................................................................................38
RETURN TO LAUNCH..........................................................................................................39
OPERATING PROCEDURES...................................................................................................40
PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST .....................................................................................................41
ARMING / TAKEOFF.............................................................................................................43
FLIGHT .................................................................................................................................43
LANDING / DISARMING .......................................................................................................44
CONTROLS ..........................................................................................................................45
THROTTLE ...........................................................................................................................47
YAW......................................................................................................................................48
PITCH ...................................................................................................................................49
ROLL.....................................................................................................................................50
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.................................................................................................51
AIRCRAFT ERROR..............................................................................................................53
UNCONTROLLABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE .............................................................53
MOTOR SHUTOFF / DISARM...............................................................................................53
SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE................................................................................................55
APPENDIX A - CONTROLLER MANUAL................................................................................58
APPENDIX B - BATTERY CHARGER MANUAL...................................................................289
APPENDIX C - REFERENCES...............................................................................................326

SWITCHBLADE-ELITE
OVERVIEW

6
DISCLAIMER AND WARNING
Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review the SwitchBlade-Elite manual prior
to flight.
By using the SwitchBlade-Elite, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to
this disclaimer. You agree that you are solely responsible for your conduct while using
SwitchBlade-Elite, and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use. You
agree to only use the SwitchBlade-Elite for proper purposes that are in accordance with all local,
state, and federal rules and regulations.
The SwitchBlade-Elite is not a toy and should be operated with extreme care, as improper
operation can cause damage to property, serious personal injury or death.
As with any multi-rotor aircraft, the SwitchBlade-Elite is a precise and technical machine.
Novice pilots should invest sufficient time on a flight simulator and seek training from an
experienced pilot prior to operation. The SwitchBlade-Elite manual and a flight simulator are no
substitute for training with an experienced pilot, particularly when it comes to learning how to
safely operate the SwitchBlade-Elite. Novice pilots should never fly without the supervision of
an experienced pilot.
Always check the SwitchBlade-Elite and its components prior to operation (see PREFLIGHT
section).
Always maintain a safe distance from the SwitchBlade-Elite when in use.
Never attempt to touch the SwitchBlade-Elite when the propellers are moving.
It is strongly recommended not to fly the SwitchBlade-Elite over or around people, near power
lines or any other difficult to see obstacles.
Never fly the SwitchBlade-Elite near manned aircraft of any kind.
Never fly with any propellers that have visible imperfections or damage.
Always keep children and animals a safe distance away from the SwitchBlade-Elite when in
use.
Only use propellers supplied by Vision Aerial that are designed for use on the SwitchBlade-Elite.
Always remove the propellers when making a hardware change to prevent propeller strikes in
the event of unintentional motor starts.

7
SAFETY
When testing the SwitchBlade-Elite drive system be sure the propellers are removed. Make sure
that the motors are spinning in the correct direction and that the motor assignment is correct
with respect to the flight controller. If you have either of these wrong, the SwitchBlade-Elite will
be uncontrollable.
Once preflight checks are complete, use the throttle to gently rotate the propellers and check
that each prop is rotating in the correct direction.
It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate the SwitchBlade-Elite and to adhere to all
applicable rules and regulations.
Fly at your own risk.
The SwitchBlade-Elite is a tuned system with custom components selected for each application.
Modification to, removal, or substitution of SwitchBlade-Elite components will void the warranty
and can lead to unsafe operating conditions.

8
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT SHALL VISION AERIAL BE LIABLE TO BUYER FOR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE SWITCHBLADE-ELITE OR FROM
LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS (HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY), EVEN IF VISION AERIAL HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL VISION AERIAL’S LIABILITY FOR A PRODUCT
(WHETHER ASSERTED AS A TORT CLAIM, A CONTRACT CLAIM OR OTHERWISE)
EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID TO VISION AERIAL FOR SUCH PRODUCT.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN, IN NO EVENT SHALL VISION AERIAL’S
LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT
EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY BUYER TO VISION AERIAL FOR PRODUCT IN THE
LAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS. IN NO EVENT WILL VISION AERIAL BE LIABLE FOR COSTS
OF PROCUREMENT OR SUBSTITUTE GOODS BY BUYER. THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
HEREIN SHALL APPLY TO ALL LIABILITIES THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THIRD-PARTY
CLAIMS AGAINST BUYER. THESE LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY
FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.
Vision Aerial shall not be liable for damages or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the
use of the SwitchBlade-Elite including, but not limited to, the following situations:
Failure of pilot to follow proper instructions and safety warnings.
Failure of the pilot to follow and comply with local rules and regulations.
Failure of the pilot to inspect the SwitchBlade-Elite and its components prior to operation.
Failure of the pilot to properly maintain and/or service the SwitchBlade-Elite through an
authorized Vision Aerial service center with genuine Vision Aerial parts.
Use of third-party products on the SwitchBlade-Elite.
Use of the SwitchBlade-Elite in a physically or mentally impaired capacity.
Use of the SwitchBlade-Elite without sufficient training.
Use of the SwitchBlade-Elite in unsafe conditions, including but not limited to, bad or severe
weather, such as rain, wind, snow, lightning, dust storms, etc., or in areas of magnetic or
radio interference, such as power stations, broadcasting and cell phone towers, government
prohibited airspace, etc.
Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior while using the SwitchBlade-Elite.
Infringement of third party data, audio or video rights recorded when using the SwitchBlade-
Elite.

9
INTRODUCTION
The SwitchBlade-Elite is a tri-rotor drone with an articulating tail, with ultra-powerful and
efficient electric motors and cutting-edge flight components. Not only is the
SwitchBlade-Elite fast and easy to fly, it is capable of flying for over 30 minutes on a
single charge. With an articulating rear rotor, the SwitchBlade-Elite has substantially
better yaw authority than a typical quad-rotor and can therefore achieve faster, more
precise turns. Better aerodynamics and a high power-to-weight ratio means that the
SwitchBlade-Elite is fast. You’ll be able to keep up with virtually any action shot with a
top speed of over 60 MPH (100 KPH). Whether in a car, on an ATV, or on foot, the
SwitchBlade-Elite is light and folds up small so you’ll never be unprepared. When you
need to fly, you can transition from case to in the air in under two minutes.
The intent of this manual is to inform and educate the user on how to properly and
effectively control, fly, and utilize the full functionality of the SwitchBlade-Elite. It is ill
advised to operate and fly the SwitchBlade-Elite without first reading and understanding
the information and guidelines presented in this document.

10
INCLUDED ITEMS
The SwitchBlade-Elite package includes:
1. SwitchBlade-Elite TriCopter (Ready-to-Fly)
2. Controller & Charger
3. Battery (1x) & Voltage Checker
4. Battery Charger
5. Hard Transport Case
6. Mission Planning Tablet & Telemetry Radio
7. Video Receiver / Monitor (optional)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

11
SPECIFICATIONS
STORAGE CONFIGURATION DIMENSIONS

12
FLIGHT CONFIGURATION DIMENSIONS

13
AIRCRAFT
Empennage
Carbon Fiber
Arms
Carbon Fiber
Frame & Hardware
Aluminum / Stainless Steel
Body
Polycarbonate
Motors
360kv (1125W)
Propellers
Carbon Fiber, Folding and Precision Balanced
Flight Controller
PixHawk
Controller/Transmitter
Graupner MZ-18
Flight Dimensions
865 mm Diameter
Storage Dimensions
730 mm x 192 mm
Case Dimensions
120 cm x 42 cm x 23 cm
Aircraft Weight (No Battery)
2.7 KG
BATTERY / CHARGING
Flight Battery Included
13,000 mAh 6s Lithium Polymer
Battery Charger
6A AC/DC
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
Manual Flight Range
4 km (2.5 miles)
Autonomous Flight Range
Over 25 km (16 miles)
Max Operational Wind Speed
Over 48 KPH (30 MPH)
Max Operational Altitude
4500 m (14,800 ft) Above Sea Level
Operational Temperature Range
-5º C to 40º C (23º F to 104º F)
GPS Accuracy
± 2.5 meters (± 8 feet), typically less than ± 1 meter
Position Hold Accuracy
± 2.5 meters (± 8 feet), typically less than ± 1 meter
Live First Person Video Range
Up to 8 km (5 miles)
(topography may impact range)
PAYLOADS
Max Payload
2.3 KG (5 LBS)
Recommended Payload
< 1.5 KG (3.3 LBS)
Payload Mounting
45 x 45 mm M3 Threaded Mounts
16mm diameter x 50mm Carbon Fiber Rail Mounts (Optional)
Center of Mass
Adjustable Using Battery

SWITCHBLADE-ELITE
SETUP

15
SETTING UP THE SWITCHBLADE-ELITE
The SwitchBlade-Elite features two arms that fold in and lock for compact travel, protection, and
safety. The arms are secured with red, spring-loaded pull knobs underneath the chassis.
*IMPORTANT: Do NOT manually operate the retractable landing gear!
(Doing so may cause damage to the landing gear servos.)
Remove the SwitchBlade-Elite from case.
Select one arm and pull out on the corresponding red knob.
Rotate the arm away from the tail.

16
Once reaching the stop, release the knob to allow locking.
Gently move the arm back and forth to verify the knob is engaged and seated
thoroughly.

17
Repeat process with other arm.
Raise and secure the GPS mast.
Unfold each rotor so the blades point in opposite directions along the long dimension of
the blade mount for all three rotors.

18
Check propeller hub tightness by moving the prop back and forth, should be just tight
enough to hold itself straight if motor axis is held parallel to the ground (see the Propeller
section on page 30 for more details).
Check the battery voltage with the supplied voltage checker (4.20V/cell = fully charged).
Check that the battery is properly secured.
oPosition the battery pack so that the center of mass is in the center of the aircraft.
(see the Battery Installation section on page 24 for more details)
oBattery Velcro is in contact with the battery plate Velcro.
oStrap is securely tightened and well adhered.
Visually survey all electrical & mechanical connections.
Before powering the transmitter be sure all the switches are in their default positions.
Power up the transmitter, select “On” on the touch screen menu to activate the radio and
check transmitter battery level.
Power up the aircraft by plugging the battery connector in. Leave the aircraft motionless
for 10 seconds to allow the gyroscopes to calibrate.
(indicator light will flash red/blue during calibration)
Confirm the radio link is active by changing the flight mode (an audible tone will sound).
Deploy the landing gear by lifting the aircraft off the ground by hand and flip the gear
switch on the transmitter to the deployed position. Once deployed set the aircraft back
on the ground.
*NOTE: Do not manually raise or lower the retractable landing gear!
(This can cause permanent damage to the servos.)

19
If flying with a payload, attach it to the airframe now.
If applicable ground test the payload and associated equipment (i.e. monitor).
If using tablet or PC, launch mission planning app and connect to the aircraft.
Check battery level of connected telemetry device (tablet, phone, PC).
Again survey the flight environment (power lines, people, wind, birds, etc).
Arm aircraft by holding the throttle at zero and full right yaw for 5 seconds
(be sure not to hold more than 15sec or the aircraft will enter ‘AutoTrim’ mode).
Smoothly & slowly bring up the throttle and initiate take-off.

20
TEARING DOWN THE SWITCHBLADE-ELITE
Prior to landing the aircraft, check the landing site environment
(power lines, people, animals, etc).
Land the aircraft (ideally on a level surface).
Disarm by holding zero throttle and full left yaw.
If carrying a payload, remove it.
Lift the aircraft off the ground by hand and use the transmitter to retract the landing
gear.
*NOTE: Do not manually raise or lower the retractable landing gear!
(This can cause permanent damage to the servos.)
If using telemetry disconnect it from the tablet, phone or PC.
Disconnect the battery from the aircraft.
Power down the transmitter and return
the switches to their preflight positions.
If using payload accessories
power them down (i.e. monitor).
Visually survey all electrical and
mechanical connections.
Unsecure and lower the GPS mast
by lifting the pull pin vertically and rotating
the mast back toward the tail motor.