Types of UAS Platforms
In this section, we will go over the types of Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS, also known as drones) and their advantages and limitations.
Overview
Fixed Wing UAS
Characteritics
- Rigid wings, fuselage and propellers
- Nadir (straight-down) data collection
- Ability to glide
- Lands similar to manned aircraft by gliding down a “runway”
- Circles over a fixed location for holding pattern
Advantages
- Highly efficient
- Ability to cover a large area in a single flight
Limitations
- Requires a large area for landing (similar landing pattern to manned aircraft).
- Struggles in high wind conditions - gusts can affect stability and data collection.
- Cannot hover, these types of platforms must remain in motion, holding in a circular flight pattern
Example:
AgEagle eBee X
Vertical Take Off and Landing UAS (VTOL)
Characteristics
- Rigid wings, fuselage and propellers
- Nadir (straight-down) data collection
- Ability to glide
- Takes off and lands straight up and down
- Ability to hover in place for holding pattern
Advantages
- Relatively efficient
- Ability to cover a large area in a single flight
- Ability to land in a small area
Limitations
- Struggles in high wind conditions
Example:
WingtraOne
Multi-Rotor UAS
Characteristics
- Three or more propellers
- Body connecting propellers
- Landing support
- Highly maneurverable
- Baility to hover in place
Advantages
- Versatile and operates will in high winds
- great for precision tasks and areas with obstacles
Limitations
- Shorter flight times; covers smaller area per flight
- More motors mean more maintenance requirements
Example:
DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise 