Did you know that there are almost 250,000 certified remote pilots in the United States of America? The different types of UAV have become more and more popular for a variety of different purposes in the modern world. While the military drone is where the UAV first found fame, there are multiple types of drones and each of the drone types has its own advantages.
If you’ve ever wondered about the different types of drones in the world then you’ve come to the perfect place. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a new way to market your company or if you’re interested in picking up a new hobby like drone photography using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Continue reading this article to learn about the different types of UAV aircraft and the best ways to use them today.
What Is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle?
An unmanned aerial vehicle is often in the form of a drone, but there are other types to be aware of. Some UAVs have fixed wings while others operate more like a helicopter with the ability to hover in one place. These machines first found use and fame with military applications but the commercial world has found them beneficial as well.
These unmanned aerial vehicles offer humans the opportunity to visit dangerous areas without putting the pilot or anyone else in harm’s way. They can also be equipped with a wide variety of equipment that makes them useful for a number of tasks. They’re great for inspecting solar panels for damage as well as capturing unique pictures for real estate businesses.
To fully understand the types of UAV aircraft available today, you’ll need to understand the differences and advantages of the most popular models.
Types of UAV
There are three primary categories of UAVs that are popular today. Each has its own benefits based on the characteristics that allow it to fly and operate. In order to find the perfect fit for your interests or business, you’ll need to know how each works and what sets it apart from the others. Here is a closer look to help you find the perfect one.
Fixed Wing Drones
Fixed wing drones look similar to a kite or an airplane in the sense that they use one rigid wing and the use of a propeller. The big difference between this type of UAV and the others is that it doesn’t have vertical propellers that allow it to hover in one place. It is built to operate like how an airplane operates.
This type of UAV is popular for military applications as a way to have eyes in the sky without putting a human pilot in a hazardous situation. They’re also great in the commercial industry for a variety of different tasks.
The biggest advantage to this type of drone is that they are efficient when it comes to energy. The fact that they can glide effortlessly means that they can stay in the sky for hours. Some drones have the ability to stay in flight for up to 16 hours at a time with the use of a gas-powered engine.
Another great benefit of a fixed wing drone is that they’re able to operate at much higher altitudes than the other types of UAVs on the market. They’re also easier to control and more forgiving when under the control of someone that is learning how to fly a drone. This type of drone is a great way to get introduced to becoming a remote pilot.
This type of drone is most often used for commercial purposes. They’re great for mapping landscapes and inspecting large areas. They’re also a helpful tool to have for farming and security.
Single Rotor Drones
A single rotor drone is another popular option for a number of different reasons. Their design is based on the design of a helicopter and they operate in much the same way. They use one large rotor on top of the craft to give it lift while a rear rotor helps to stabilize the drone and give it direction.
A big advantage to this type of UAV is that they can hover in one place for extended periods of time. This is a big advantage over a fixed wing drone since it needs to continue moving in order to stay aloft.
This type of drone is also a durable option so if an accident occurs it will stand up to the damage nicely. They’re also a great option if you need your drone to stay in the air for an extended period since they have long flight times.
A single rotor drone is most popular for scanning the ground with LIDAR technology and providing a great way to conduct land surveys.
Multiple Rotor Drones
One of the most popular options when it comes to drones is the multiple rotor drone, like the one found at https://www.drdrone.ca/pages/dji-mini-2. This is the best type of drone for having an eye in the sky because it can hover in a stable manner. It is perfect for creating drone photography or drone videos.
It is popular with both professionals and drone enthusiasts because it is small and convenient to use. They’re also the least expensive type of drone on the market which means they’re accessible for most people to own.
They are easy to control and maneuver and they hover effortlessly above the ground, making them the perfect adventure photography companion. They also don’t need much room to take off or land, making them a great alternative to a fixed wing drone.
The most common use for a multiple rotor drone is for recreational activities and photography. They’re a perfect addition to your business for marketing purposes.
Invest in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Today
There are many different types of UAV on the market today and each provides a valuable function that is worth considering for your business. Fixed wing drones are great for helping with agriculture as well as surveillance at events. Single rotor drones are perfect for handling LIDAR scans and land surveys. Multiple rotor drones are the most common and easiest to use.
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