UC Consumer Report MULTIROTOR AND FIXED WING UAS

The Difference Between Multirotors and Fixed Wing Multirotors are a section of UAS that have multiple propellers and are able to maneuver more similarly to a helicopter with agility and hover stability. Fixed wings are the other subsection, which behave most like a plane with greater flight range and flight time.

Model Aircraft Model aircraft are defined by the purpose of flying for recreation. A UAS may be a model aircraft one day and a civil UAS the next, depending on the purpose. You don’t need permission from the FAA to fly your UAS for fun or recreation, as long as you fly safely and follow the FAA’s safety guidelines. Visit y_for_fun/ for more information y_for_fun/

DJI - Phantom 4 Easy to fly 28 minute flight time 4k Camera Obstacle avoidance system Restricted payload with non upgradeable camera Requires smartphone or tablet for camera operation Price: ~ $1400

Parrot – AR. Drone 2.0 Easy to fly Durable Built in camera Obstacle avoidance system 12 Minute flight time Price: ~ $130

Birds Eye View – Firefly minute flight time Mixed multirotor and fixed wing flying styles Large carrying capacity Recommends two controllers for both flight modes More complicated flight controls Price: ~ $500

Parrot – BEBOP 2 25 minute flight time Built in camera Extremely light No payload Uses Wi-Fi connection Camera quality Price: ~ $500

3D Robotics – IRIS minute flight time Sizeable payload capacity Autonomous control options Moderate learning curve Large, mostly non collapsible design Price: ~ $600

Hobbico – Hubsan X4 Pro minute flight time Interchangeable payload Adequate payload capacity Parachute reduces payload capacity Compact Price: ~ $1250

3D Robotics – SOLO minute flight time Multiple autonomous options Research use potential Payload versatility GPS connectivity issues Price: ~ $1000

Yuneec – Typhoon H 25 minute flight time 360° camera Motor failure safety feature Multiple autonomous flight programs Short range avoidance system Low to the ground camera positioning Price: ~ $1300

The Commercial Market UAS expand the possibilities for research and commercial endeavors Lower to the ground flight Reduced risk in hazardous situations

DJI – Inspire 1 Pro 15 minute flight time Professional videography Large payload capacity Interchangeable lenses Camera locks after a full rotation Brand restricted battery use Price: ~ $5400

Topcon – Sirius Pro 50 minute flight time Hand launchable Autonomous data gathering GPS point triggered image capture No landing gear Price: ~ $53000

SnenseFly – eBee 50 minute flight time Portable size with 96cm wingspan Small learning curve with easy operation Small payload bay Wind easily alters flight paths Price: ~ $12000

DJI – Matrice minute flight time Extremely large payload capacity Price: ~ $4600

DJI – Spreading Wings minute flight time Portable folding arm system Large lifting capacity Price: ~ $4400

DJI – Matrice minute flight time Soft landing software and hardware Small payload capacity Requires customer assembly Price: ~ $3300

PrecisionHawk – Lancaster 5 45minute flight time Wide variety of sensors Throwable takeoff and autonomous landing Determines optimal flight path in real time Price: ~ $25000

Pentagon Performance Inc. – Cropcam 55minute flight time Autonomous flight and landing Restricted payload compartment size Price: ~ $7000

Honeycomb– AgDrone minute flight time 12 months data processing service Durable construction Dual cameras Server based data storage Payload restricting internal compartment Price: ~ $15000