Intro

Over the years, the phrase “drones” has evolved from just a fancy term to a widespread tool seen across the globe. Originally conceived for combat scenarios, these aerial devices now serve countless peaceful purposes. They’ve become increasingly affordable, thus making them accessible for many. Whether it’s for capturing breathtaking aerial photos or aiding farmers in monitoring vast fields, drones have become invaluable in numerous industries. As businesses tap into the potentials of these machines, they’re finding ways to cut costs, enhance efficiency, and even carve out new revenue streams. For those intrigued by the drone universe, this guide is your key.

There’s a challenge, though. With so many drones available, how do you pick the right one? The market is full of choices. For a business wanting to make the most of drones, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. And if drones are new for you or your team, making a wise choice can feel even harder.

But choosing a drone isn’t something to rush. It’s a long-term decision. Going for a low-cost drone might seem tempting, but it could lack the features you need. On the other hand, a high-end drone might have great features but could be too costly for your budget. Every business wants value for their money, so finding the right balance is crucial.

The key is to start with knowledge. By understanding the basics of drones – what they can do, the types of data they can collect, how to maintain them, and any other related details – you set a good foundation. Think about your needs and the problems a drone can solve for you. With that clarity, you can then focus on finding the drone that matches those needs in the market.

Disclaimer :
This guide focuses on regular drones, not the ones used by the military. The information provided is up-to-date as of August 2023.

Guideline: Understanding Drones and Their Flight Categories

Drones, as we know them, have evolved in design and capability. When it comes to selecting one, understanding how they fly can make all the difference. There are several categories based on this criterion, and each comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a closer look:

1. Fixed-Wing Drones

These drones have rigid wings like an airplane. They don’t have the hovering capability of multirotor drones, but they can cover longer distances.

Advantages:

• Endurance: They can stay airborne for longer periods.
• Speed: They boast a higher cruising speed.
• Emergency Safety: If there’s a problem, they can glide without power.

Disadvantages:

• Payload Limit: They can’t carry as much weight.
• Lack of Hover: They can’t stay in one place in the air.
• Space Requirement: They need a runway or open space to take off and land.

Notes:

• The market for these drones isn’t as expansive. The design and engineering process is more demanding.
• Most fixed-wing drones are made for hobbyists or professionals, leaving a gap in the mid-tier market.
• Some well-known manufacturers include Delair and Sensefly. Many manufacturers, however, are transitioning to hybrid designs

2. Multirotor Drones

These are perhaps what most people think of when they hear the word “drone”. They have multiple rotors, which give them the ability to hover in place.

Advantages:

• Payload Flexibility: They can carry a reasonable amount of weight.
• Stationary Flight: Unlike fixed-wing drones, they can hover in a single spot.
• Space Flexibility: They can take off and land vertically, without needing a runway.

Disadvantages:

• Flight Time: Their flight duration is typically shorter.
• Speed Constraints: They usually have a slower cruising speed.
• Emergency Safety: If there’s a malfunction, they can’t glide. Extra systems or parachutes may be needed for safety.

Notes:

• Many major drone companies focus on these designs.
• Over 90% of the drones worldwide are multirotor drones.
• Popular brands include DJI, Autel, Parrot, and Skydio.

3. Hybrid Fixed-Wing VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing)

These drones try to combine the best of both worlds. They have fixed wings for long-distance flight and rotors for hovering.

Advantages and Drawbacks:

• These drones aim to merge the benefits of both fixed-wing and multirotor drones. However, they may compromise slightly on performance.

Notes:

• Typically aimed at professional usage.
• They’re gaining rapid popularity in the drone market.
• Their design and engineering are more advanced than the other types.
• Renowned brands in this category are JOUAV, Quantum Systems, and Wingtra.

By understanding these categories, potential users can determine which type is best suited for their needs. Whether it’s hovering over a specific spot or covering vast distances, there’s a drone out there tailored for every purpose.

Type of Payload that Drones Can Carry Based on Type of Activities

Drones have evolved from basic flying machines to advanced devices capable of numerous tasks. The variety of payloads they can carry is a testament to this adaptability. Different payloads serve various purposes, ranging from collecting data to performing tangible actions or even transporting goods. Here’s a breakdown:

a) Sensing & Remote Sensing (Camera/Sensor):

i) RGB (Visual)

Captures data in red, green, and blue wavelengths to produce images similar to standard cameras.
Use Cases: Aerial photography, event filming, property monitoring.

ii) Infra-red

Detects data in the infrared spectrum to produce images indicating temperature differences.
Use Cases: Search and rescue operations, monitoring crop health, detecting heat loss in buildings.

iii) Multispectral

Captures light in specific bands of the visible and near-infrared spectrums to produce detailed images.
Use Cases: Monitoring crop health, forest health analyses, shoreline changes.

iv) LiDAR

Uses laser beams to measure distances, producing accurate 3D maps and models.
Use Cases: Topographical mapping, elevation model creation, forest canopy research.

v) Gas Sensing

Detects specific gases in the atmosphere to determine concentrations.
Use Cases: Gas leak detection, air quality monitoring, volcanic activity assessment.

vi) Magnetic

Measures magnetic fields to gather data on magnetic properties.
Use Cases: Finding mineral deposits, locating buried structures, underwater investigations.

vii) Hyperspectral

Gathers information across many narrow bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Use Cases: Mineral detection in mining, species composition in forestry, detailed vegetation analysis.

viii) Ultrasonic Testing (contact)

Uses ultrasonic waves to detect flaws or measure material properties.
Use Cases: Inspecting pipelines, structural health monitoring, detecting flaws in industrial materials.

b) Manipulating (Actuator/Mechanism):

i) Chemical Sprayer

Drones equipped with tanks to spray liquids or granules.
Use Cases: Agricultural crop spraying, pest control, vegetation management.

ii) Seed Shooter

Dispenses seeds at a specific rate and pattern.
Use Cases: Reforestation, agriculture, land rehabilitation.

iii) Cleaner/Painter/Blaster

Equipped with brushes, paint dispensers, or abrasive materials.
Use Cases: Cleaning building facades, painting large structures, removing rust or old paint.

iv) Flamethrower

Releases controlled flames.
Use Cases: Controlled agricultural burns, waste disposal.

v) Speaker

Broadcasts audio from the drone.
Use Cases: Crowd control, announcements in large areas, wildlife control.

vi) Weather Modification

Releases substances to influence weather conditions.
Use Cases: Cloud seeding to induce rain, fog dispersal.

vii) Lighting

Equipped with high-intensity lights.
Use Cases: Night-time inspections, emergency response, event lighting.

viii) Communication Relay

Boosts or extends communication signals.
Use Cases: Temporary mobile network in remote areas, emergency communication.

c) Transport:

i) Fast Moving Goods/Package

Drones designed to transport smaller items quickly.
Use Cases: Delivering medical supplies, e-commerce delivery, sending urgent documents.

ii) Cargo

Heavier-duty drones for transporting larger items.
Use Cases: Industrial equipment transport, food and water delivery in disaster zones.

iii) Passenger

Drones built to carry humans, often termed ‘air taxis’.
Use Cases: Urban air mobility, tourist experiences, emergency evacuation.

Drones’ versatility is awe-inspiring, with capabilities ranging from minute observations to tangible tasks. The above categories and examples underscore the extent to which drones are influencing and enhancing various industries and activities.

Key Specifications of Drones

As drones continue to revolutionize various industries – from agriculture to security and entertainment – understanding their key specifications becomes paramount. These specifications not only determine the capabilities and limitations of a drone but also inform operational costs, safety measures, and regulatory compliance. Below we delve into these crucial specs and what they imply for drone operations.

a) Flight Endurance

• i) The ability of a drone to remain in flight for a sustained period is often a critical factor. Generally, longer flight endurance means better drone performance. However, there’s a trade-off between the drone’s size, weight, and its flight time.
• ii) Add-ons, such as tethers for multirotors, can drastically improve flight endurance but limit drone mobility. Solar PV on fixed-wing & hybrid VTOL drones can boost flight time by 20-30% but add weight and drag, which reduce flight efficiency.

b) Payload Capacity

• i) It’s crucial to ensure the drone can carry the desired sensors or equipment.
• ii) Fixed-wing drones often have limited payload capacities, making them best suited for lighter sensors like mapping or surveillance cameras.
• iii) For heavier payloads, like long-range LiDAR, gas sensors, or hyperspectral cameras, multirotors are more appropriate.
• iv) Some advanced multirotors can carry significant weight, making them versatile for various applications.

c) Cruising Speed

• i) A drone’s cruising speed determines mission duration and how many flights are necessary to complete a task.
• ii) For instance, mapping a 100 sqkm area with a fixed-wing drone at 60 kph is faster and more cost-effective than using a multirotor traveling at 20 kph, given the associated flight endurance.

d) MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight)

• i) MTOW is vital for regulatory compliance. Many countries categorize drones based on their MTOW.
• ii) Ensure your drone’s MTOW falls within stipulated limits to avoid complex regulatory requirements.

e) Operating Radius

• i) Depending on the operation location, a drone’s operating radius can be a decisive factor. Most regulations limit drone operations to remain within the visual line of sight of the pilot, ranging from 500 meters to 2 kilometers.
• ii) Some drones operate up to 100 kilometers line-of-sight, ideal for tasks like maritime and border surveillance.
• iii) Drones that use cellular signals (GSM/LTE) offer virtually unlimited operating distances, contingent on signal availability.
• iv) Satellite-controlled drones exist but are less practical due to large antenna sizes and high communication costs.

f) Power Source

• i) Electric batteries are the most common. However, they have life cycles, typically needing replacement after 150-300 charge cycles.
• ii) Fuel-powered drones might have higher noise levels and require specific fuel types. While they don’t have charging cycles, they require periodic maintenance.
• iii) Hydrogen is a clean and advanced power source, but challenges include storage, transportation, and inherent operational risks.

g) Maintenance Schedule & Part Cycles

• i) Typical maintenance categories include:
  • (1) Pre-flight inspection: This is a routine check done before every flight, ensuring all parts function correctly and there are no visible damages or issues.
  • (2) Light maintenance: Conducted every 30 or 50 hours depending on the drone model. It involves deeper inspection than pre-flight checks and may include minor fixes or parts replacement.
  • (3) Medium maintenance: This occurs every 100 or 150 hours and requires a comprehensive inspection, sometimes even analyzing flight logs. It involves more intensive tasks and may necessitate the involvement of the distributor or manufacturer.
  • (4) Heavy maintenance/overhaul: Conducted every 250 or 400 hours, this involves inspecting all parts & components, overhauling all systems, and replacing any worn-out parts. It’s usually done by the drone manufacturer.
  • (5) Repair: Any damaged or malfunctioning parts are either repaired or replaced depending on the extent of the damage and the specific component.

• ii) Critical part cycles include:
  • (1) Propellers: These are essential for the drone’s flight. Damaged propellers can hinder performance and lead to accidents. They are often replaced rather than repaired due to their relative low cost and critical role.
  • (2) Batteries: Drone batteries, especially Lithium Polymer ones, have a limited life cycle, which dictates when they need to be replaced. Proper storage and transport are essential as they’re considered dangerous goods.
  • (3) Propulsion systems: These comprise electric motors, ESCs for electric drones, and engines and fuel injectors for fuel-based ones. While they might be replaced during an overhaul, other maintenance schedules may involve tasks like oil changes or adding lubricants.
  • (4) Airframe & structures: Designed to last, the drone’s frame might sometimes wear out or sustain damage, requiring repair or replacement.
  • (5) Flight controller, navigation system, and other critical parts: These rarely need intervention unless there’s a software or firmware update or if any part is damaged.

h) Specific Training Requirements

• i) Certain drones demand specific type ratings, affecting pilot qualification, training costs, and preparation time.
• ii) Piloting a new drone model from the same manufacturer usually needs minimal adaptation. However, operating a drone from a different brand might require a more comprehensive training regimen.

With the surge in drone applications, grasping these specifications aids in making informed decisions on procurement, operations, and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and compliance.

Conclusion

Drones are becoming a big part of our lives. From taking photos to helping farmers, they do many jobs. To use a drone in the best way, it’s good to know about its types, what it can carry, and its main features. This knowledge will help you choose the right drone for your needs. As more people start using drones, this information will become even more important. In the future, drones will do even more tasks for us, so learning about them now is a smart step