Drones: Types, Technology, and Applications PDF

# What Are Drones? Drones, sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), carry out tasks that range from the mundane to the ultra-dangerous. These robot-like aircraft can be found rescuing avalanche victims as well as dropping off groceries at your doorstep—and almost everywhere in betw...

# What Are Drones? Drones, sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), carry out tasks that range from the mundane to the ultra-dangerous. These robot-like aircraft can be found rescuing avalanche victims as well as dropping off groceries at your doorstep—and almost everywhere in between. Originally developed for the military and aerospace industries, drones have found their way into the mainstream because of the enhanced levels of safety and efficiency they bring. These robotic UAVs operate without a pilot on board and with different levels of autonomy. A drone's autonomy level can range from remotely piloted (a human controls its movements) to advanced autonomy, which means that it relies on a system of sensors and LiDAR detectors to calculate its movement. # What Is Drone Technology? Drones rely on a combination of hardware and software components to achieve successful takeoff, flight, and landing. Drones are often equipped with rotors or fixed wings, sensors, navigation systems, and gyroscopes (for stability), and are operated by ground control stations. # Types of Drones Drones come in a variety of types, each tailored to the unique demands of different industries. For instance, some people require lightweight drones to hold a camera for photography, while others need robust drones to transport heavy medical supplies. As a result, companies produce drones that come in four main types—single-rotor, multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and fixed-wing hybrid VTOL. ## Single-Rotor Drones Single-rotor drones look like tiny helicopters and can be gas or electric-powered. The single blade and ability to run on gas help its stability and fly for longer distances. These UAVs are usually used to transport heavier objects, including LiDAR systems, that can be used to survey land, research storms, and map erosion ## Multi-Rotor Drones Multi-rotor drones have a frame that branches out to incorporate multiple propellers. Their designs can include several model types that range from tricopters (drones with three propellers) to octocopters (drones with eight propellers). Multi-rotor drones are a type of rotary-wing drone, which are drones that become airborne by using circulating blades to push wind downward and vertically lift themselves from the ground. Multi-rotor drones are usually some of the smallest and lightest drones on the market. They have limited distance, speed, and height, but make the perfect flying vehicle for enthusiasts and aerial photographers. These drones can usually spend 20-30 minutes in the air carrying a lightweight payload, such as a camera. ## Fixed-Wing Drones Fixed-wing drones look like normal airplanes, where the wings provide the lift instead of rotors—making them very efficient. These drones usually use fuel instead of electricity, allowing them to glide in the air for more than 16 hours. Since these drones are usually much larger, and because of their design, they need to take off and land on runways just as airplanes do. Fixed-wing UAVs are used by the military to carry out strikes, by scientists to carry large amounts of equipment, and even by nonprofits to deliver food and other goods to areas that are hard to reach. ## Fixed-Wing Hybrid Vertical Takeoff And Landing (VTOL) Drones Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones are a blend of fixed-wing drones and rotor-based drones, featuring rotors that are attached to the wings. Due to its hybrid approach, this technology offers users the endurance of a fixed-wing design and the vertical flying capabilities of a rotor-focused design. Companies take advantage of this combination, relying on fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones to further cut down on delivery times while offering a more versatile flight experience.