Youtube Video

Richard Branson has invested in 3D Robotics and set the firm’s drones loose over his tropical island Necker.

The hirsute entrepreneur was captured by the drones playing tennis and kitesurfing, while the wee machines also captured “drone’s eye views” of the island.

“It’s amazing to see what a little flying object with a GoPro attached can do; before they came along the alternative was an expensive helicopter and crew,” Branson enthused on the Virgin website.

“I’m really excited about the potential for drones, and I hope this affordable technology will give many more people the chance to see our beautiful planet from such a powerful perspective.”

A short film of the island was tweeted by Branson and posted on the site, shot on 3D Robotics IRIS and X8 drones.

Chris Anderson, chief exec of 3D Robotics, said in a blog post on DIY Drones that Branson was one of his heroes.

“Finally, I can talk about what I did this summer! Richard Branson, one of my heroes both as an entrepreneur and aviation pioneer, is a 3D Robotics investor,” he said.

“Not only is it thrilling to be part of his network, but we also got to bring a fleet of drones to his famed Caribbean island, Necker, to tell the story of his life there from an aerial view.”

For El Reg’s Special Projects Bureau, it’s nice to see these two crazy kids get together. 3D Robotics kindly provided LOHAN with autopilot kit, while Branson is behind Spaceport America, the planned launch point for the spaceplane. ®