All specifications, payloads and 2025/2026 updates – assessed from practical experience. As inspection service providers working with the ELIOS 3 since 2017, we distinguish between what the data sheet says and what field conditions actually deliver.
As an inspection service provider, we have been working with the Flyability ELIOS series since 2017. This page contains the complete technical specifications of the ELIOS 3 – supplemented by our practical assessment from hundreds of deployments.
We distinguish between what the data sheet says and what practice delivers. Not every specification is achievable 1:1 under real industrial conditions.
Practical assessment from hundreds of deployments since 2017 – we show what the data sheet says and what reality delivers.
| Dimensions (with cage) | approx. 50 × 50 × 45 cm (L × W × H) |
| Weight | approx. 2.35 kg (with standard battery, without payload) |
| Protective cage | Carbon fibre, fully enclosed, flip recovery |
| Protection class (drone) | IP44 (spray water + foreign bodies >1 mm) |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Manhole compatibility | DN 600 (access-dependent) |
| ATEX certification | No – gas-free measurement required before deployment |
Practical assessment: The 50 × 45 cm are the official dimensions. In practice, the entry geometry, edges and internals at the manhole determine whether the drone actually fits. At DN 600, it works in most cases.
| Camera | 4K (3840 × 2160, 30 fps) |
| Photo | 12 MP (still images) |
| Lens | Wide angle, low distortion |
| LED lighting | 16,000 lumens (oblique, homogeneous) |
| Lighting modes | Normal, Dustproof, Selective |
| Lighting protection class | IP44 |
Practical assessment: 4K + 16,000 lumens is sufficient for visual inspection (VT) findings in practice. In very dusty environments (silos, coal power plants) the Dustproof mode helps – visibility will still be reduced. The Selective mode (directional light) reduces reflections on shiny metal surfaces.
| LiDAR sensor | Ouster OS0-128 Rev 6 |
| LiDAR channels | 128 |
| Points per second | 1.31 million |
| Precision | centimetre range (1σ) |
| Range | up to 100 m |
| LiDAR protection class | IP68 (waterproof, dustproof) |
| Navigation | SLAM / FlyAware™ Engine (GPS-independent) |
| Processor | NVIDIA (edge computing) |
| Output | .las, .e57, .ply (CAD/BIM compatible) |
Practical assessment: Centimetre-range precision is achieved under ideal conditions. In practice (vibration, rapid movement, heavily dusty environments) precision may decrease slightly. For industrial survey and deformation analysis, the accuracy is sufficient.
The ELIOS 3 can be extended with optional payloads for specific inspection requirements:
| Flight time (standard battery) | approx. 12 min. |
| Flight time (high capacity) | up to 17 min. (since 2025) |
| Tether option | Unlimited flight time (cable-tethered, since 2025) |
| Max. speed | approx. 5 m/s (in confined spaces significantly slower) |
| Range (radio) | up to 500 m (line of sight) |
| Video transmission | Real-time HD (latency <200 ms) |
Practical assessment: 12 minutes standard flight time sounds short – but is sufficient for most tank/boiler inspections (launch → screening → return). For large plants (chimneys >80 m, extensive systems) the tether option is an important advance: unlimited flight time with simultaneous data security.
Flyability Cloud / Inspector 5
Cockpit App (Pilot Software)
Standard system delivery:
Optional accessories: Thermography payload, UT payload, radiation payload, tether kit, additional batteries, extended warranty.
The ELIOS 3 is the right choice for anyone who needs to professionally inspect confined spaces – without human entry:
If you want to commission inspection as a service rather than purchase the ELIOS 3, we are the right contact. Since 2017 we have been inspecting with the Flyability ELIOS series – and deliver not just raw data, but results.
Christian Engelke and Dipl.-Ing. Karsten Lehrke – your direct contacts for ELIOS 3 technology and inspection services.
Christian
Founder & Drone Pilot
Karsten
Founder, Managing Director
Philipp
Founder, Operations & Logistics
Juliana
Drone Pilot
Stephan
Operations & Logistics
Approximately 2.35 kg with standard battery (without optional payloads). Slightly heavier with thermography payload.
Approximately 12 min. (standard battery), up to 17 min. (high-capacity battery, since 2025). With tether option: unlimited.
In most cases yes. The drone measures approximately 50 × 45 cm. What matters is the entry geometry, edges and clearance behind the opening.
Flyability does not publish official list prices. Costs depend on configuration (payloads, accessories) and licence model. For an informal assessment contact us – we advise on purchase and service alternatives.
No. The ELIOS 3 is not ATEX-certified. Deployment in active Ex zones is not permitted. After documented gas-free measurement in a purged, shut-down plant, deployment in formerly classified zones is possible – the classification applies only during normal operation with flammable media.
Whether purchase advice or inspection as a service – we have been your contact for professional confined space inspection since 2017.