Nolvis X1: Indoor Inspection Capability for Confined, GPS-Denied Environments
Purpose-built for environments that defeat conventional UAV platforms, the Nolvis X1 (formerly Terra Xross 1) from Nolvis is a Japan-made confined space inspection drone that operates entirely without GPS. Where standard outdoor platforms lose positional reference the moment they cross a threshold into an enclosed structure, the Nolvis X1 maintains stable, controlled flight through an integrated LiDAR stabilization system and supplementary visual odometry sensor.
It is a platform designed for inspection programs that require repeatable, documented access to spaces that are structurally inaccessible, hazardous to enter, or simply beyond the reach of any drone not specifically engineered for the task.
Dronefly works with enterprise inspection teams, infrastructure operators, and facilities management organizations that need more than a capable aircraft — they need a complete data collection and management solution.
The Nolvis X1 addresses that requirement through the combination of its onboard 4K imaging system, integrated Class 1 LiDAR sensor, 10,480-lumen LED lighting, and Nolvis X1 Cloud — a platform that ties visual inspection data directly to spatial 3D point cloud records for centralized team access and structured reporting.
Nolvis X1 Package Configuration and Available Options
- Nolvis X1 standard package: aircraft with integrated camera system, LiDAR sensor, LED lighting, full-surround protective cage, flight battery, and first year of Nolvis X1 Cloud Basic 500GB included
Integrated Sensors, Fixed Imaging System, and Aircraft Performance
The Nolvis X1 is a compact platform — 36 cm wide, 31 cm deep, and 21 cm tall (14.2 in x 12.2 in x 8.3 in) — with a total flying weight of 1,800 g (3.97 lb) including the battery. Maximum flight speed is 2.5 m/s (8.2 ft/s), wind resistance is rated to 3 m/s (9.8 ft/s), and battery-only flight time is 10 minutes. The aircraft operates on the 2.4 GHz ISM band and is rated for operating temperatures between 0°C and 45°C (32°F and 113°F).
Stabilization is handled by the onboard LiDAR system, which generates a continuous 3D environmental map at 200,000 points per second and 10 Hz, giving the flight controller a real-time spatial reference in the absence of any satellite signal.
The visual odometry sensor supplements this with additional positional data derived from surface pattern recognition, supporting stable flight when environmental conditions shift. Together, these systems enable the Nolvis X1 to hold position reliably inside metallic enclosures, underground structures, building voids, and any other environment where GPS is unavailable.
Nolvis X1 Fixed Imaging, Sensor Integration, Replacement Components, and Ground Support
Integrated camera and sensor systems (fixed, non-interchangeable)
- Integrated camera system: 1/1.7-inch 8MP sensor; 4K (3840×2160) video resolution; 180° tilt range; auto control mode with auto white balance
- Integrated LiDAR system: Class 1 laser; range 131 ft (40 m) @ 10% reflectivity, 230 ft (70 m) @ 80% reflectivity; range precision 2 cm @ 10 m; 200,000 points/s point rate; 10 Hz frame rate
- Integrated LED lighting: 10,480 lumen maximum output; dual LED light arrays; engineered for reliable imaging in dark or low-visibility confined environments
Replacement and field-serviceable components
- Nolvis X1 Battery: spare flight battery for continuous operational rotation
- Nolvis X1 Battery Charger: dedicated charging unit for Nolvis X1 batteries
- Nolvis X1 Motor Set (4 pcs): replacement motor set; wear components requiring periodic replacement based on flight hours and operating conditions
- Nolvis X1 Propellers (1 set): replacement propeller set; consumable components rated for replacement every 10 flight hours or upon observed damage
- Nolvis X1 Cage (1 set): replacement protective cage system; absorbs contact and collision forces in confined environments; replaceable structure supports operational continuity after impact damage
Ground support and communication hardware
- Nolvis X1 Range Extender: communication accessory for signal-obstructed or geometrically complex environments; extends reliable pilot-to-aircraft communication range when operating in hard-to-reach spaces; allows ground-based pilots to maintain control from outside the confined area
Cloud platform and data management
- Nolvis X1 Cloud Basic 500GB: inspection data storage and management platform; links still images and video to 3D LiDAR point cloud data; enables multi-location team access, collaborative review, and structured reporting; first year included with Nolvis X1 package, subscription charges apply from second year onward
- Nolvis X1 Cloud Additional Storage (500GB): scalable storage expansion for programs generating increasing inspection data volumes
Platform Capabilities That Define the Nolvis X1's Operational Role
- LiDAR positioning: 200,000-point-per-second scan rate builds a continuous 3D environmental map for GPS-independent position hold
- Visual odometry: supplementary sensor layer sustains positional accuracy when surface conditions or lighting shift within the inspection environment
- 4K fixed imaging: 1/1.7-inch 8MP sensor with 180° tilt captures detailed 4K video across full vertical coverage of inspection surfaces
- High-output illumination: 10,480 lumen integrated LED arrays enable reliable defect detection in spaces with no ambient light source
- Structural cage protection: full-surround frame absorbs contact with walls, ceilings, and equipment without transferring impact forces to the airframe
- BVLOS inspection support: real-time 3D LiDAR monitoring feed enables obstacle-aware navigation in spaces where the aircraft moves beyond the pilot's direct line of sight
- Continuous tethered power: connection to an external power pack eliminates battery depletion as a flight termination risk during extended inspection sorties
- Compact access profile: 36 cm x 31 cm x 21 cm (14.2 in x 12.2 in x 8.3 in) footprint enables entry through access points that exclude larger platforms
- Serviceable component architecture: motors, propellers, and cage are available as discrete replacement items, supporting planned maintenance schedules and reducing unplanned downtime
- Integrated data-to-spatial linking: Nolvis X1 Cloud associates captured media directly with 3D point cloud positions, enabling contextual post-flight review
Inspection Program Applications for the Nolvis X1
- Storage and pressure vessel inspection: internal survey of tank walls, structural welds, and floor surfaces in enclosed metal environments
- Civil infrastructure access: bridge deck undersides, tunnel interiors, and structural voids requiring non-destructive visual documentation
- Industrial asset inspection: ductwork, machinery housings, process equipment interiors, and enclosed mechanical systems
- Building services and facilities: roof voids, ceiling cavities, shaft spaces, and building service infrastructure inaccessible to inspection personnel
- Confined space entry reduction: drone-based pre-inspection of permit-required confined spaces, reducing or eliminating the need for manned entry
- Power generation and utilities: internal inspection of enclosed generation equipment, turbine housings, and distribution infrastructure
- Post-event structural assessment: rapid interior documentation following incidents where direct personnel access poses unacceptable risk
Nolvis X1 Cloud: Inspection Data Architecture and Team Workflow
For inspection programs operating across multiple sites or involving distributed review teams, Nolvis X1 Cloud provides the data infrastructure that connects flight operations to downstream reporting and compliance workflows. The platform stores 4K video and still images captured during each flight and links that media directly to the corresponding 3D LiDAR point cloud, so reviewers can locate and assess findings in spatial context rather than working from an undifferentiated image archive.
Data is accessible from any location, supporting collaborative review between field teams, engineering staff, and client stakeholders without requiring physical data transfer. The first year of Nolvis X1 Cloud Basic 500GB is included in the Nolvis X1 package. Subscription charges apply from the second year onward. For programs with growing data requirements, Nolvis X1 Cloud Additional Storage is available in 500GB increments, allowing storage capacity to scale with inspection program volume.
Deployment Planning and Configuration Considerations for the Nolvis X1
- Environment classification: confirm the inspection target is GPS-denied, access-restricted, or hazardous to enter — these are the conditions the Nolvis X1 is purpose-built to address
- Flight duration planning: 10-minute battery-only flight time is suited to focused inspection sorties; tethered power connection supports extended operations where access point proximity allows
- Signal environment assessment: evaluate whether the Nolvis X1 Range Extender is required before deployment in geometrically complex or heavily shielded spaces
- Maintenance scheduling: build motor and propeller replacement intervals into the program maintenance plan — propellers at 10-flight-hour intervals, motors based on condition and usage
- Data storage planning: assess expected data volumes at program outset and configure Nolvis X1 Cloud storage tier accordingly to avoid workflow interruption
- Cage condition monitoring: inspect cage components after any contact event and maintain replacement cage stock to minimize downtime between inspection sorties
The Nolvis X1 is a specialized tool for a defined operational need. Organizations running structured inspection programs in confined, GPS-denied environments will find it purpose-matched to that requirement in a way that generalist platforms cannot replicate.
Dronefly supports Nolvis X1 deployments with the full accessory line, replacement component inventory, and Nolvis X1 Cloud subscription options. Contact the Dronefly team to configure the right package for your inspection program, or order directly through the Dronefly store.
