Visual Air Productions have been satisfying clients for many years with their aerial filming and video. With the quantity of work being received from the international scene, they knew that it was only a matter of time before clients started demanding HDV (High Definition Video). Although South African TV doesn't broadcast in High Definition, many companies are future-proofing their projects, by shooting in HD and downconverting to Standard Definition and Widescreen. With the advent of high definition, a lot of production companies still using 16mm, are finally making the move to digital.

After reviewing the available HD cameras, Visual Air settled on Sony's new 3 CCD HD Model. This offers 3 CCD Colour performance and the footage can be downconverted to SD and widescreen from the camera.

Aerial Video Helicopter on the Ground

They then had to decide on a helicopter and powerplant that could handle the weight of the new camera. The helicopter had to have the power to operate at higher than usual altitudes compared to the rest of the world, as Johannesburg is 5,500 feet above sea level and places extra demands on the power. After speaking to numerous manufacturers and researching the current offerings, they built a radio control helicopter with a 2 meter diameter rotor driven by a two stage turbine. The turbine spins at 165,000 RPM and runs on Jet A1 fuel. The advantages gained by using a turbine are multiple. The power is more than enough to lift the complete helicopter and pod, with a large reserve. The vibration levels compared to piston powered engines are practically zero, so this equates to a lower requirement of vibration damping, as well as the gyroscopes operating at a higher performance. The turbine is completely smokeless, which means no ruined takes because of smoke drifting into frame.

Aerial Video Pod Flying

A new camera pod also had to be developed and it was decided that the camera needed to be enclosed in a ball. This gives the pod a constant resistance to wind and results in a more stable tracking shot during forward flight. The pod has continuous 360° rotation, as well as roll and tilt. It is similar to all the other pods, in that it is controlled by a cameraman who views a monitor with a live feed. The camera is stabilized in 3 axiz's by piezo gyros, which allows the cameraman to point and shoot with very little control input.

In conclusion, the heavier rig gives a far more stabilized shot than the smaller helicopters, and is closer in performance to aerial filming from a conventional helicopter. It still has all the advantages of a radio control helicopter, and can work in close proximity to the subjects, while still maintaining maneuverability.

Visual Air Productions are so happy with their new HD Camera and Turbine, they're already planning a carbon copy of this setup for the second aerial filming team.