Although multi-rotors get most of the attention in the drone world, they are not the only option. If you’re serious about aerial mapping then you need to consider a fixed-wing aircraft. Single-rotor helis are also a great solution for some niche applications too.
Here’s a run-down of the four main types of aerial drone platforms, and the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Multi-Rotor
- Pros: Accessibility / Ease of use / VTOL and hover flight / Good camera control / Can operate in a confined area
- Cons: Short flight times / Small payload capacity
- Typical Uses: Aerial Photography and Video Aerial Inspection
- Price ($AUD): $5k-$65k for pro drones
Fixed-Wing
- Pros: Long endurance / Large area coverage / Fast flight speed
- Cons: Launch and recovery needs a lot of space / no VTOL(hover) / Harder to fly, more training needed / Expensive
- Typical Uses: Aerial Mapping, Pipeline and Power line inspection
- Price ($AUD): $25-$120k for pro drones
Single-Rotor
- Pros: VTOL and hover flight / Long endurance (with gas power) / Heavier payload capability
- Cons: More dangerous / Harder to fly, more training needed / Expensive
- Typical Uses: Aerial LIDAR laser scanning
- Price ($AUD): $25-$120k for pro drones
Fixed-Wing Hybrid
- Pros: VTOL and long-endurance flight
- Cons: Not perfect at either hovering or forward flight / Still in development
- Typical Uses: Drone Delivery
- Price ($AUD): TBD, in development
For a complete review of each type of UAV, read Andrew Chapman’s full article on Australian UAV.
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