Ludwighook light
The 700g Cargo Hook that cannot drop a load in flight
100kg working load. 700g hook. Tested to 300kg.
Ludwighook light is a remote-release cargo hook for heavy-lift drones, built so that release is physically impossible while a load is attached. Its safety principles come from the Ludwighook, Ludwig's 2.5-tonne remote-release crane hook in continuous production since 2011, now re-engineered for unmanned aircraft. Manufactured by Ludwig and supplied in the UK by Team Orange.
Why Ludwighook light?
Exceptional weight-to-capacity ratio. At 700g, the hook carries 100kg, over 100 times its own weight, leaving more of your aircraft's payload for the cargo itself.
No accidental drops. A mechanical lock holds the load, and no signal, software fault or button press can open it while the hook is under tension.
Proven heritage. Built on the Ludwighook, the 2.5-tonne crane hook in production since 2011.
Works with your aircraft. The hook operates on its own control unit, so it isn't tied to one drone platform or manufacturer.
Controlled from up to 2km, extendable to your drone's full control range with the optional range extender.
Six Safety Features
Six independent safeguards stand between the load and an unintended release, backed by a manual catch for ground use. If any safeguard is not satisfied, the hook stays closed.
Mechanical lock under load. While the hook carries any load, the lock is held shut mechanically. Release is physically impossible.
Command lockout under load. A load sensor disconnects the hook from the control unit the moment it takes weight. No command of any kind can reach the hook in flight.
Two-second unloaded check. The hook only reconnects after the load has been fully off for two seconds. A bouncing or swinging load cannot open a brief window for release.
Two-button release. Release needs two buttons pressed on the control unit, which rules out an accidental press.
No self-release. The hook never opens on its own: not on a timer, not on signal loss, not on low battery.
Manual safety catch. If the battery fails, the hook can be released by hand on the ground, so a load is never trapped.
Control and Range
The dedicated control unit reaches 2km in clear air, more than enough for visual-line-of-sight operations. For longer missions, the optional range extender box links the hook to your drone's main controller, so hook control reaches as far as your aircraft flies.
Because the hook runs on its own control link, it fits a wide range of heavy-lift platforms without depending on any one manufacturer's system.
The complete system comes with the hook, radio control, charging unit (mobile charging optional), power supply and transport case.
Operation takes four steps: lock the hook, attach the load, lift and transport, then release by remote control once the load is down. No one needs to be at the drop point to detach the load.
Why Ludwighook light?
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Hook weight | 700g |
| Safe working load | 100kg |
| Test load | 300kg |
| Safety factor | 3:1 |
| Release under load | Mechanically impossible |
| Release conditions | Load off for 2 seconds, then two-button command |
| Control range | 2km in clear air |
| Extended range | Drone controller range, with optional range extender |
| Backup release | Manual safety catch, works without battery power |
| Design heritage | Based on the 2.5t Ludwighook, in production since 2011 |
| Manufacturer | Ludwig |
| UK supplier | Team Orange |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 120 × 199 × 102mm |
| Radio frequency | 868MHz |
| Voltage | 6V |
Ludwighook light is built for
Construction
Moving tools and materials to rooftops, towers and hard-to-reach sites.
Utilities and energy
Delivering equipment along power lines, pipelines and wind farms.
Search and rescue
Dropping supplies where vehicles can't reach
Agriculture and forestry
Moving equipment across difficult ground.
Remote logistics
Mountain, island and off-road deliveries.
Wherever a load passes over people, property or live work sites, Ludwighook light ensures it only lets go when the load is on the ground.
Operator Guidance
Because Ludwighook light cannot release under load by design, operators must plan for emergency jettison at the aircraft end. Fit a release mechanism or a rated weak link between the drone and the line, so a snagged or unstable load can be separated from the aircraft if needed.
Before every flight:
Confirm the hook's lock engages and releases correctly on the ground.
Check the control unit and hook battery charge.
Confirm the load is within the 100 kg safe working load, including rigging.
Inspect the hook, safety catch and attachment points for wear or damage.
The hook does not send status updates in flight. Full operating instructions are in the user manual.
Ready to lift heavier loads with fewer risks?
Contact Team Orange, the UK supplier for Ludwig, for pricing, compatibility with your aircraft, and test certificates.