Matenge showcases UAV prototype Sheperd V1
Thero Matenge is an elated man after he finally cracked the technological code to build his Unmanned Aerial Vehicle from scratch (UAV) with the help of his sibling, Tiroyaone Matenge. The two were able to complete the UAV with funding support from the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH). At the Matsieng Airstrip in Rasesa last week, Matenge (Thero) did a flight demonstration before relevant stakeholders showing the UAV prototype and what it is that he has been working on for the last few years.
Before he conducted the flight demonstration, Matenge took his audience through his process and journey of establishing the UAV. “Growing up I always had the love and passion for technology. My love and passion for it led me to look into the technology world,” Matenge said.
He indicated that after looking into the technology world, he got star-struck by the ariel system which led to a yearning to develop one of his own that does not perform the same function as other drones out there. “We decided to make a drone that is not only for merely taking pictures but one that can be used to fight against crime in the country, crimes like anti-poaching, livestock theft, robberies, and many more,” he said.
Upon making clear the purpose of their drone, Matenge said they then approached BDIH for sponsorship through the Botswana Innovation Fund Beneficiary (BIFB) which managed to put in P500,000 towards the completion of the whole UAV. It is said the whole process of manufacturing dates back to 2019, but it was somehow put to a screeching halt by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the unique qualities of the drone as the selling point, Matenge said they modified a few things.
“What is different with our UAV which we have named ‘Sheperd V1’ is that we have modified it and has a big control system design that is used to navigate the drone from and see everything in detail from the control room,” Matenge explained. “Our control system is designed in a way that it is like a ‘cockpit’. It can fit both the pilot who will navigate the drone and one other person to control the surveillance camera.”
Furthermore, Matenge describes their UAV as something that can be defined as ‘long endurance UAV’ as he says their UAV continues to be different from others as it uses only petrol and covers a wide distance. It is said the Sheperd V1 drone can go a great distance of 15km maximum without losing transmission. In addition, Matenge said their drone only weighs 22 kilogrammes (kg) and went it uses petrol. He said it currently has a tank of only two litres, indicating that these are the things that can still be modified when money comes in the near future as the business grows. Asked what their intention is with the prototype they are so invested in, Matenge responded that they desire to duplicate more of them and sell them.
“We plan to sell these UAVs to the police service and other stakeholders, and I have to say giving an estimation this design will not be sold for anything less than P1.5 million,” he said. “We also do offer flying classes to our customers so that when they buy our product they can know how to operate our designed control system also as this is not the same as the one of a normal drone,” he added.
However, Matenge revealed to the audience that their drone will not only be used in fighting crime but can also be used in agriculture for surveillance. After successful flight demonstration, which went smooth without any hitches, the BDIH acting CEO Tshepo Tsheko was rather thrilled to see Matenge put the funding to good use.
“It is really quite thrilling to see young people going into technology, doing innovations, creating solutions, and I have to say I am quite happy to see Matenge finally complete his project,” said the acting CEO. Tsheko further implored young people to take advantage of this sponsorship and funding to innovate and make businesses out of their dreams and industrialise the country.