On December 14, GRIFF Aviation successfully presented, for the first time, its GRIFF 300 UAS (Unmanned Aerial System). It weighs 75 kg (165lbs), lifts up to 225 kg (496lbs) on top of its own weight, and stays operational for around 30 to 45 minutes (depending on payload). GRIFF Aviation claims it’s easy to transport, assemble and operate.

Based in Norway, GRIFF Aviation originated through a project initially planned by Magic Air, the only full-time aerial film crew in Norway. During development, it was clear that the potential uses of such a drone would have a host of uses outside of the film industry. That’s when Magic Innovation was established, in 2016, receiving support from Innovation Norway and Sykkylven Business Development, which led to the creation of the brand: GRIFF Aviation.

GRIFF Aviation’s CEO Leif Johan Holand said: “We quickly saw the product would be able to have a life of its own, but we are not competing with helicopter transport companies. We’re aiming at a professional market where the drones can be used by helicopter companies, the emergency services, the agricultural sector, as well as research and government agencies such as Statnett (responsible for the Norwegian power grid), the NVE (Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate) and the NGU (Norwegian Geological Survey).”

Certified by both the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), GRIFF Aviation is the first company in the world to be selling certified drones to the professional market. Holand added: “We knew from early on that safety is absolutely paramount for both the aviation industry and our potential, professional customers. For that reason, we were determined to attain international aviation certification, which we have done. As a result, I am proud to say that we are the first company in the world to be selling certified drones to the professional market. This will open up new opportunities globally in a very demanding sector.”

GRIFF Aviation offers varied and fully customizable payloads to work with the drone. These are specifically designed for the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, Fire Service and Search And Rescue teams. There are also two specialist payloads for wind-turbine maintenance, as well as heavy-load cargo missions. Holand also mentioned that the drones are environmentally friendly, as they produce low level noise pollution and run on electricity, using the latest in battery technology. Compared with helicopters, a GRIFF Aviation drone is much quieter.

The GRIFF 300 drone is the product of 2 years work, but it is just the first drone in a series. Holand informed, “The next model that will be produced will be able to lift 800kg (1,764lbs). Then we will continue to increase lifting capacity even further. This is the start of a revolution in aviation.”

The GRIFF 800 and the GRIFF 125 are the models being worked on at the moment, with the numbers corresponding to the amount of weight each one carries.