08Sep
Fixed Wing or Multi-Rotor?
Should I buy a fixed-wing or a multi-rotor for my application?
At Unmanned Systems Source, we receive calls on a daily basis from customers who ask this very question. We always follow up with a question of our own, “I’m not sure, it depends. What’s your application?”. And so begins a conversation. Choosing between a multi-rotor or a fixed-wing is not always a straight forward choice. In fact, there are a number of factors that should be considered before making a selection. Common questions we ask interested buyers, include: What are the project objectives? How much area needs to be covered? What sort of flight duration is required? Are you collecting data? What is your payload? What is your experience level? And, finally, what is your budget? Once we understand the client’s needs and the operational environment, the choice comes into focus.
Fixed Wing Considerations 
Fixed-wings are generally better suited for rural environments and are work horses for many commercial and scientific applications. Though they may not offer the maneuverability of a multi-rotor, when it comes to flight times and coverage, fixed wings excel.
Other advantages include:
- Capability of operating at higher altitudes
- Faster flight speeds
- Power and capacity to carry heavier and, in some cases, multiple payloads – which in turn means the ability to gather more sophisticated data
- Option to choose from a wider variety of sensors
- Extended flight times, 60 minutes +
- Larger coverage
Multi-rotor Considerations
The use of multi-rotors has exploded in recent years in large part due to their affordability and ease of use. But multi-rotor advantages certainly extend beyond these two points.
Other advantages include:
- Highly maneuverable in flight which is great for urban and tightly confined areas
- Ability to hover – which make it an excellent choice for inspections of infrastructure that require close-up examination
- Easy to operate and deploys quickly
- Small takeoff and landing footprint
- Affordable price-point
Your challenge, should you choose to accept it…
You’ve been asked to survey some points on the ground with centimeter-level accuracy. Feeling confident?
How about a few hundred points spread over 7.5 hectares (18.53 acres) and the job has to be done in one afternoon. Throw in the fact that the area you have to survey is in a quarry which has been closed off due to a recent landslide. Still feeling confident?
You should and here’s why.
Improvements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology combined with more compact high-end Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers means that you no longer have to compromise on precision to measure in those hard-to-reach areas.
UAVs have become more reliable and easier to work with: from programming flight paths to installing additional equipment on board, UAV applications are no longer confined to a limited group of specialists.
For a survey flight, your UAV will need to have installed: a high-resolution camera and a high-end GNSS receiver module. To fly the UAV through a pre-programmed flight plan, an autopilot flight controller is often included.
The film and photography industry has quickly become one of the biggest adopters of drone technology. When DJI released a drone equipped with an HD camera and steadying technology, it was a game changer.
Suddenly, an entire niche gained affordable access to perspectives previously reserved for helicopter and fixed-wing pilots.
Most professional film and photography enthusiasts are primarily concerned with the quality of the camera. However, factors such as flight stability and ease of use are also important considerations. This short list includes 6 drones for professional film and photography that integrate these features best.
The DJI Inspire 1 Pro/Raw is a professional filming platform that combines the best of DJI's industry leading UAV technology and world class imaging capabilities.
The Inspire 1 Pro/Raw drones are the smallest and easiest to fly in their class. They come equipped with the Zenmuse X5 and X5R professional cinema-quality cameras.
The DJI Inspire 1 Pro/Raw has all the features flyers have come to expect: one button take-off, stable flight, return home, 360° camera views, to name a few.
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