New Drone Unveiled that Puts on Light Show (VIDEO)

Tech company Intel recently revealed its Shooting Star quadcopter drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) specifically designed to perform light shows. Intel began its foray into drones in 2015, and new software allows the craft to create designs, and even choose drones based on battery life and GPS reception.

In an official press release, Anil Nanduri, Intel’s vice president of new technology and UAV general manager said, “With this drone, we will be able to demonstrate that drone light shows can redefine entertainment and create amazing new experiences in the night sky.” He added that the computer chip manufacturer set a new Guinness world record for having the most drones airborne simultaneously. 

Intel had to acquire a Part 107 waiver from the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) to design the Shooting Star, allowing the craft to fly beyond the usual limits for that kind of vehicle. The Shooting Star has a six-inch rotor diameter and weighs just 280 grams. It also has a light emitting diode (LED) allowing it to beam about 4 million unique color configurations.

The company reports,"The fleet is easily programmed, assembled and operated to create beautifully choreographed images in the nighttime sky," According to Digital Trends.

The foam craft can operate in a light rain and features propeller cages, seemingly a precautionary measure in case the vehicle should find itself making an emergency landing in the middle of a crowd.

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