The ACE AIR ORION is a purpose-built commercial cleaning drone designed for facade, roof, and solar panel maintenance. This advanced RPAS features a 42 MPa cleaning pressure and dual RTK positioning. To operate it commercially in Australia, you need a drone licence australia (RePL) and a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC).
The Evolution of Aerial Maintenance: Why the ACE AIR ORION Changes Everything
The maintenance industry is currently facing a massive shift toward automation. For years, cleaning high-rise buildings in cities like Sydney and Melbourne meant relying on dangerous rope access or expensive scaffolding. Today, the commercial cleaning drone is replacing these traditional methods with safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions.
Ace Aviation is proud to support the launch of the ACE AIR ORION from our sister company, ACE AIR. This aircraft isn't just another drone with a sprayer attached. It is a precision tool engineered by professionals who clean buildings every single day. By combining heavy-lift capabilities with sophisticated flight controllers, the ORION offers stability that was previously impossible in high-wind environments.
Whether you are looking to start a new business or upgrade your existing fleet, understanding the technology behind this machine is vital. The ORION is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of the Australian climate and regulatory environment.
Why Choose a Commercial Cleaning Drone for Your Business?
Investing in a facade cleaning drone or a solar panel cleaning drone offers a massive competitive advantage. Traditional cleaning methods often require days of setup and a large crew. In contrast, a single pilot and a spotter can deploy the ORION and begin cleaning within minutes.
Furthermore, the safety benefits are undeniable. By keeping workers on the ground, companies significantly reduce their liability and insurance premiums. In a country like Australia, where OH&S standards are incredibly high, transitioning to drone-based cleaning is a logical step for any forward-thinking enterprise.
Ace Aviation has already helped over 4,000 students enter the industry. We see the ORION as the next step in professionalizing the RPAS sector. If you want to join this revolution, you will need a commercial drone licence australia to operate legally. You can explore our comprehensive drone courses to find the right path for your career.
Key Technical Specifications of the ACE AIR ORION
The ORION stands out because of its raw power and intelligent sensors. Most competing systems struggle to provide enough pressure to remove stubborn grime from industrial sites in Perth or Brisbane. The ORION solves this with a market-leading 42 MPa pump system.
| Feature | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Max Take-Off Weight (MTOW) | 23.9 kg | Stays within the sub-25kg CASA category for easier compliance. |
| Cleaning Pressure | Up to 42 MPa | Highest in the market; removes heavy industrial contamination. |
| Flow Rate | Up to 20 L/min | Ensures fast cleaning times for large commercial facades. |
| Flight Endurance | Up to 45 minutes | Allows for extensive cleaning cycles without frequent battery swaps. |
| Positioning | Dual RTK | Centimetre-level accuracy, essential for close-proximity flight. |
| Safety Features | Wall-following radar | Prevents collisions by maintaining a set distance from the building. |
| Transport Size | 50 x 40 x 53 cm | Folds down to fit in the back of a standard van or SUV. |
Advanced Guidance Systems
One of the most impressive features is the indoor laser guidance option. This allows the ORION to operate in GPS-denied environments, such as inside large hangars or covered stadiums. For operators in Hobart or other regions with unpredictable weather, this level of precision provides peace of mind.
Additionally, the articulating boom allows the drone to spray both vertically and horizontally. This flexibility is crucial for cleaning complex architectural features or the undersides of roof overhangs.
Pricing and Configuration Packages
We understand that every business has different needs. ACE AIR offers four distinct tiers for the ORION, ranging from entry-level aircraft to fully featured flagship systems.
- ACE ORION (Entry): $24,999 (ex GST)
- The base aircraft for those who already have their own infrastructure.
- ACE ORION TK (Turnkey): $27,999 (ex GST)
- The most popular choice. Includes the aircraft, your commercial drone licence australia (RePL), ReOC setup, and manufacturer-specific training.
- ACE ORION INFINITY (Flagship): $47,999 (ex GST)
- Adds a tether power system for continuous flight, dual RTK, and an intelligent parachute system.
- ACE ORION INFINITY+ (Max): $61,999 (ex GST)
- The ultimate package, adding indoor laser guidance for GPS-denied operations.
Compared to competitors like Lucid Bots or Apellix, which often cost between $75,000 and $150,000 AUD, the ORION offers unmatched value. Because it is commissioned and supported right here in Australia, you also avoid the risks associated with international shipping and lack of local parts.
Step-by-Step Process: Launching Your Cleaning Business
Starting a drone cleaning business involves more than just buying the hardware. You must navigate the legal requirements set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Here is the proven path to success.
Step 1: Obtain Your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
The first step is getting your drone licence australia. You need a sub-25kg type-specific rating to fly the ORION. Ace Aviation provides CASA-approved training in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Step 2: Secure Your ReOC
If you plan to fly for money, your business needs a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC). Our "Turnkey" packages include the manual writing and application support needed to get your ReOC approved quickly. This allows you to employ other pilots and operate under your own professional banner.
Step 3: Complete Manufacturer Training
The ORION is a powerful industrial machine. We provide specialized training that covers the specific flight dynamics of a drone carrying a heavy water tether. You will learn how to manage the "pendulum effect" and how to optimize your cleaning patterns for different surfaces.
Step 4: Join the ABC Program
The ACE AIR Business Coaching (ABC) program is designed for entrepreneurs. It covers everything from job quoting and marketing to site risk assessments. This program helps you turn your technical skills into a profitable enterprise.
Real-World Applications: Where the ORION Excels
The versatility of this platform makes it suitable for a wide range of industries. We have seen success in the following areas:
- High-Rise Facades: Cleaning glass and metal panels on skyscrapers without rope access.
- Industrial Roofs: Removing moss and debris from large warehouse rooftops in industrial zones.
- Solar Farms: A solar panel cleaning drone can cover thousands of panels in a single day, increasing the energy output of the farm by up to 30%.
- Infrastructure: Cleaning bridge pylons, cooling towers, and stadiums where traditional access is impossible.
In Perth, for example, the dust from mining and coastal salt spray can quickly degrade solar panels. Using the ORION allows for regular, low-cost maintenance that protects these multi-million dollar assets.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Commercial Cleaning Drone
Many new operators rush into the market without proper research. Avoid these three common pitfalls to ensure your business survives its first year.
1. Underestimating Water Weight and Tether Tension
Flying a drone with a hose attached is significantly different from flying a camera drone. The weight of the water inside the hose adds constant tension. If you don't use a drone with high-torque motors and a sophisticated flight controller like the ORION, you risk a "washout" or a crash.
2. Ignoring Local Support and Parts
If your drone breaks down during a big contract in Sydney, you cannot afford to wait six weeks for parts from overseas. One of the main reasons professionals choose ace aviation and ACE AIR is our local support. We keep parts in stock and have technicians ready to help.
3. Failing to Account for CASA Compliance
Operating a 23.9 kg drone without the correct commercial drone licence australia is illegal and voids your insurance. Always ensure your training provider is CASA-approved. Ace Aviation (CASA.ReOC.1421) is the gold standard for regulatory compliance in Australia.
CASA Considerations and Safety Standards
Safety is the cornerstone of the aviation industry. The ACE AIR ORION is designed with multiple layers of redundancy to satisfy even the strictest safety managers.
- Failsafe Parachute: The Infinity package includes an intelligent parachute that deploys automatically in the event of a motor failure.
- Dual RTK: By using two GPS antennas, the drone can determine its heading even in areas with high electromagnetic interference.
- Altitude+ Benefits: As part of the Ace Aviation family, ORION owners get access to our Altitude+ program, which includes ongoing compliance support and software updates.
We also encourage all operators to use our Licence Finder tool to ensure they have the correct qualifications for their specific mission profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special licence to fly a cleaning drone in Australia?
Yes. Because the ORION weighs 23.9 kg, you need a drone licence australia (RePL) with a "medium" or "sub-25kg" rating. If you are operating commercially, you also need a ReOC.
How high can the ACE AIR ORION clean?
The standard configuration can easily reach 60 to 100 metres depending on the pump and tether setup. For very tall buildings, we recommend the tethered power system for continuous operation.
Can it clean solar panels?
Absolutely. The ORION is an exceptional solar panel cleaning drone. It uses specialized nozzles to provide a wide, soft-wash spray that removes dust without damaging the panels.
Is it hard to fly with a hose attached?
It requires specialized training. The water-filled hose creates drag and weight. Our manufacturer training program is specifically designed to teach you how to manage these forces safely.
How much does it cost to start a drone cleaning business?
Our turnkey package starts at $27,999 (ex GST). This includes the drone, the commercial drone licence australia, and the ReOC setup. You will also need a van and a high-pressure pump system.
Is the ACE AIR ORION waterproof?
Yes, the airframe is designed to handle the spray and mist associated with high-pressure cleaning. It features an IP-rated enclosure for its sensitive electronics.
Can I use my own pressure washer?
Yes, the ORION is compatible with most professional-grade ground pumps that can provide the necessary flow and pressure. However, we recommend our optimized ground kits for the best results.
What is the delivery time for the ORION?
The next batch of 50 units is scheduled for delivery in September 2026. Pre-orders are currently open at ace-air.com.au.
Does Ace Aviation provide finance?
We have partnerships with various equipment financiers who understand the drone industry. Contact us for a custom quote to explore your options.
Where can I get training in Hobart?
We regularly run courses in Hobart. You can check our course calendar for the next available dates in Tasmania.
How does it compare to the Lucid C1?
The ORION offers higher cleaning pressure (42 MPa vs 31 MPa) and is significantly more affordable for Australian operators due to the lack of import duties and local support.
Can the drone fly indoors?
With the Infinity+ package, the drone uses laser guidance to maintain its position without GPS. This is perfect for cleaning the inside of large industrial facilities.
What happens if a motor fails?
The ORION can be equipped with an intelligent parachute system. If the flight controller detects a critical failure, the parachute deploys to bring the aircraft down slowly and safely.
Is there a job board for drone pilots?
Yes, all our graduates get access to DroneWork, our exclusive job board that connects certified pilots with industry opportunities.
How long do the batteries last?
On a standard flight without a tether, the batteries last up to 45 minutes. When cleaning with a heavy hose, flight times are typically shorter, which is why many professionals choose the tethered power option.
Can I clean at night?
Night operations require additional training and CASA approval. Ace Aviation offers specialized night ratings to help you expand your service offerings.
What is the maximum wind speed the ORION can handle?
The ORION is rated for operation in winds up to 35 km/h. Its dual RTK and high-torque motors provide excellent stability even in gusty conditions.
Do you offer support after the sale?
Yes. We pride ourselves on having the best support in the industry. We offer local servicing, spare parts, and ongoing technical advice for all our customers.
Summary: The Future is Here
The ACE AIR ORION represents a significant leap forward for the Australian drone industry. By providing a high-pressure, reliable, and affordable commercial cleaning drone, we are empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs and helping established companies improve their safety and efficiency.
With our global footprint: including training in Singapore, Dubai, and Korea: Ace Aviation brings world-class expertise to every student we train. Don't miss out on this opportunity to lead the market in Sydney, Melbourne, or any other Australian city.
Ready to start? Book your training at aaa.edu.au or call 1300 336 366. To pre-order your ACE AIR ORION, visit ace-air.com.au today.
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