The AxisFlying Manta5 Professional is a newly released Bind and Fly (BNF) FPV drone. For filmmakers and enthusiasts seeking unparalleled aerial experiences, this pre-assembled FPV drone is specifically crafted for cinematic and freestyle flight capabilities. With its striking focus on visual appeal, this FPV drone sets itself apart in a crowded and often brutal industry. With its cutting-edge design, this innovative venture aims to deliver a unique and thrilling flying experience for both amateur and professional pilots alike. Does the reality live up to the initial vow? Let’s explore the details instead.
Should you consider purchasing the high-end Axis Flying Manta5 Professional drone from reputable distributors.
Obtainable Receiver Choices:
- TBS Crossfire 915MHz
- ExpressLRS 2.4GHz
Body Configuration Choices:
- DC (Deadcat) body
- Sq. X body
The DC configuration is specifically designed to enable cinematic-style flight operations, ensuring that the propellers remain out of the camera’s field of vision during filming. The X configuration is particularly popular among freestyle pilots due to its symmetrical motor layout.
Here’s the improved text: It appears to be a promotional effort showcasing a drone equipped with DJI’s O3 Air Unit technology. Despite omitting the DJI O3 Air Unit from my initial setup, I decided to establish a personalized solution.
The Axis Flying Manta 5 Professional boasts an impressive array of features and equipment.
- Two units of spare propellers
- Detailed guide
- Two battery straps
- What’s your game plan for boosting signal reception with these two new DJI O3 antennas?
- Spare screws
- M2 Hex screw Allen key
- Body: AXISFLYING MANTA 5 PRO
- Body Weight: 143g
- Body Dimensions: The DC’s wheelbase measures 228.8 millimeters, while the Broad X’s is slightly shorter at 226.5 millimeters.
- Carbon Fiber Plate with Enhanced Durability: 4mm Thick
- Carbon Fiber Backplate with a Thickness of 3 Millimeters
- Arm Thickness: 6 millimeters of high-strength carbon fibre plate.
- Max FC Stack Top: 30mm
- FC: AXISFLYING-F722-Mini
- Gyro Choices: MPU6000 or ICM42688-P
- ESC: 55A BLHeli_32 4in1 ESC
- Which drone platform should you choose? The DJI O3 Air Unit offers unparalleled video quality and reliability, while the Analog 5.8G provides a seamless and secure transmission experience. Will you opt for crystal-clear visuals or worry-free connectivity?
- Motor: C227-1960KV
- Propellers: The primary unit features a compact yet efficient design, boasting a sizeable 5.1-inch blade that provides maximum propulsion and stability.
- AxisFlying’s Premium 5.8 GHz Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) Antenna for Unparalleled Aerial Video Transmission.
- Energy Connector: XT60
- Receiver Options: TBS Crossfire Nano Receiver and ELRS 2.4GHz Receiver
- Drones Weight (excluding battery): 472 grams without O3, 504 grams including O3, 690 grams incorporating a 6S 1100mAh lithium-polymer battery, and 844 grams when paired with a GoPro Hero 12 camera.
- Noteworthy Battery Option: Utilize a high-quality 6S 1300-1800mAh Lithium Polymer (LiPo) power source. For additional guidance, refer to our curated list of recommended batteries.
From an outsider’s perspective, I was initially awed by the touted “solid” carbon fiber casing, boasting a distinctive marble-like specimen. While durability remains uncertain, it seems a significant investment is required to deliver the product’s visual appeal.
Wrapped in sleek plastic faceplates, the device boasts a contemporary aesthetic while safeguarding its internal components from environmental debris.
The automobile’s exterior design features a aquatic motif, resembling a shark in profile, its edges and curves evoking the powerful silhouette of a marine predator.
The battery pad’s unique design takes the form of a solitary fish shape. The grip handle has an anti-slip and rubbery texture, but perhaps lacks some thickness for optimal comfort. Notwithstanding this, the concern is mitigated through counter-sunken screws on the uppermost plate, thereby precluding the possibility of piercing the battery.
The receiver is situated at the rear, positioned below the VTX antenna mount.
The large heat sink located on the underside effectively cools the VTX, providing a satisfying tactile experience. The air circulation design effectively directs cool air from the intake towards the VTX, then exhausts it through the heatsink, thereby efficiently cooling the video transmitter, especially in hot environmental conditions.
With more than thirty LEDs strategically distributed throughout the drone, they’re seamlessly connected to a dedicated LED management board located at the front, creating an impressive display.
These LEDs can be customized individually in Betaflight to take advantage of their versatility. You have options for configuring LED layouts in Betaflight?
Below each arm’s midpoint lies a subtle LED gentle panel, imbuing the overall design with a distinctive flair. While concerns exist about potential long-term effects on bodily resilience, the actual outcome remains uncertain. Despite my initial enthusiasm, I found that the subtle nuances from these panels are largely obscured, even during peak evening hours.
The undersurface plate is crafted from precision-engineered CNC aluminum, exuding a sense of solidity and upscale sophistication.
The four arms – two entrance and two rear – are precisely interlocked, achieving effective securing through the utilization of just six screws.
A thoughtful design feature – there are cutouts within the facet plates accommodating the O3 and FC USB ports, displaying a considerate attention to detail.
The soldering and construction appear to be of exceptionally high standard.
AxisFlying has invested considerable thought into the design of the Manta5 Professional. The eye-to-element ratio is truly spectacular. I also appreciate the accompanying guidebook that provides valuable insights on how to assemble and operate this drone, making it an excellent resource for beginners.
One significant drawback of this drone is its limited payload capacity. While many components may appear to serve solely aesthetic purposes, While some might find the details intriguing, others may view them as unnecessary indulgences – like the decorative plastic trim and the flashing LED lights. These LEDs are typically not easily visible during the day, making them most suitable for evening flight operations.
While aesthetically appealing add-ons may contribute to the overall appeal of a drone, it is crucial to recognize that they can have detrimental effects on the device’s performance and longevity. Adding these elements also increases the complexity and challenges of maintaining and restoring the system. With the option of using a pre-built drone, it’s most practical to simply bind and take flight.
Without my overview unit including the DJI O3 Air Unit, it proved quite challenging to bring this drone up and running smoothly. Unfortunately, the kit failed to provide the essential Universal Frequency Link (UFL) cables necessary for connecting the supplied antennas, rendering them unusable. Ultimately, opting for the O3 Holder streamlined the setup process.
While the flight controller utilises an AT32 microcontroller rather than the conventional STM32 series? While the AT32 exhibits similar efficiency to the STM32, albeit at a lower value, its popularity is increasing among new FPV flight controllers. This is a basic fixed-wing controller (FC) equipped with only a single 5-volt Battery Elimination Circuit (BEC). To ensure seamless operation of my high-end FPV drone, I demand that the 9V BEC be integrated, guaranteeing a stable supply to power the DJI O3 safely and efficiently by regulating the battery voltage, rather than drawing from it directly. With its six UARTs, this drone presents a range of possibilities for customization and expansion. Additionally, it comes equipped with the reliable MPU6000 gyro, a valuable asset that can be leveraged by those who purchase this device.
The ESC utilizes BLHeli_32 firmware, featuring version 32.9. Sadly, . To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, users might opt for an AM32 alternative or utilize a BLHeli_32 ESC equipped with the latest 32.10 firmware. In an effort to optimize performance, they surprisingly opted for a PWM frequency of 96KHz, which appears suboptimal for five-inch drones in my assessment. I’d recommend opting for 44.1 kHz for a more harmonious efficiency. What is your goal in requesting this improvement?
The current sensor requires calibration to achieve accurate readings, as the reported values for present and mAh on the onboard display are slightly inconsistent.
During the initial takeoff, it became apparent that the quad was heavily biased to one side. The rifle weighs approximately 100 grams more than its counterpart.
Notwithstanding the impressive motor-propeller synergy, this unit still delivers a commendable level of power and potency, sustained at roughly 30% throttle capacity when fully charged. The Manta5 drone performs exceptionally well even when operating outside its designated parameters. The device exhibits seamless responsiveness with no discernible latency or bounce-back effects during flips and rolls.
The one feature that truly stands out to me is the built-in GPS functionality.
Despite being positioned close to the VTX antennas during testing, the device performed admirably well, securing a GPS lock within two minutes once the VTX was powered on, with an average of around 12 satellites acquired within five minutes. In the absence of obstacles, the standard GPS Rescue settings performed well; still, it’s recommended to verify your settings based on the environment and flight conditions you anticipate. This feature facilitates comfortable long-distance travel. To optimize GPS performance, I wanted to reposition the device using an extension mount, potentially enhancing signal reception. In my experience, the O3 antennas are likely to generate interference when mounted excessively close to one another.
What sets the Manta5 Professional apart at a promotional level may well be its ingenious design. While the Manta5 may not be the only choice for acrobatics and freestyle flying due to its weight, it remains a viable consideration. The additional weight that comes with larger drones also means they are inherently less sturdy than their lighter counterparts, as any impact will have a more pronounced effect on the aircraft’s structure. While it’s not my top pick for long-term use, the load impact significantly affects efficiency. The Axis Flying Manta5 Professional boasts exceptional aerodynamics, effortlessly gliding through the air with precision, rendering it an ideal choice for capturing cinematic-quality footage, as well as serving as a reliable platform for beginners seeking to sidestep the complexities of building and calibrating their own drone from the ground up.
While the aesthetic components might fascinate a few, their value in terms of added weight and complexity may not be justified for pilots prioritizing performance. Overall, this sleek and sophisticated drone delivers impressive results in its designated functions.
