The number and variety of drones is growing every year, and manufacturers expanding their product range not only cover all the needs of ordinary users, but also invent new niches. Some niche applications of drones arise due to terrible and tragic events such as war. Therefore, we have prepared for you a large guide article that will help you understand the variety of civilian drones, answer the question of how to choose a quadcopter, and find out which UAVs are needed by the Armed Forces.

What are drones

It makes no sense to describe what a quadcopter or a drone is. Drones are already a familiar tool of photographers, videographers, bloggers or just an annoying children’s toy. But choosing the right quadcopter is still a non-trivial task. Then we will talk about really important things that should be paid attention to when buying a drone.

Marking drones

Often the packaging can answer the question of which quadcopter to buy. There is a convenient marking system for this. This parameter is indicated on the packaging of the drone and determines the level of users the equipment is designed for. There are four types of marking indicated in the characteristics most often:

1. RTF (Ready to Fly) – the device is equipped with everything necessary for use right out of the box: battery, remote control, charger. After purchase, you can immediately perform the first launch.
2. PNP (Plug and Play) means “plug and play”, but in practice the drone comes without a remote control, battery and charger. The name “buy and play” is more suitable.
3. BNF (Bind and Fly) – in the box with the drone you will not get the remote control. This type of configuration is intended for experienced users with their remote control.
4. ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) is practically a constructor for enthusiasts in the form of a disassembled device, often even without a remote control. An option for professionals who know better what parts they need and where they should be.

• Tricopters(3 propellers) – less weight and number of propellers, more maneuverability.
• Hexacopters(6 propellers) – more propellers give more stability, payload and height at which the drone can operate.
• Octacopters(8 propellers) – everything is slightly better than six propellers.
• Multicopter(more than 2 propellers) – nothing specific, just a general name for drones with propellers.

Engine type

There are two types of engines used in drones: collector and collectorless. In short, collectorless are better in everything. And if in more detail:

Collector (brushed). They are also called brush because of the presence of bristles that supply direct current to the winding. This type of motor is cheaper, has a little less weight and is easy to maintain. On the other hand, the presence of a brush means increased wear, low efficiency, low rotation speed, overheating and low reliability.

Brushless. A more advanced type of motors is devoid of brushes and its disadvantages. Brushless motors are durable, wear-resistant, do not heat up well, have a long resource and are quiet in operation. Unfortunately, such motors are more expensive to manufacture and repair.

Collector engines are found in budget models, as even in the middle segment models already put high-quality collectorless electric motors.

Dimensions of the drone

Before choosing a quadcopter, it is important to consider the size. Its price and specifics of use often depend on the size and weight of the drone, which should be taken into account immediately. All drones can be conditionally divided into several groups depending on size:

Drones toys. A palm-sized device or smaller. Often consists only of a motor and blades, does not have a camera and fasteners. A simple remote control can be included with such toys, and the drone’s operating time rarely reaches 10 minutes. An ideal gift option for a child.

Camera and its characteristics

The camera is one of the main components of the drone and many people decide which quadcopter to buy based only on the camera parameters. Therefore, if the purpose of the drone is not limited to a children’s gift, it is necessary to pay great attention to the choice of camera. First of all, you need to determine what type of camera you need: built-in or remote.

Built-in camera. The entire camera device is inside the drone body. As a rule, the built-in camera has limited mobility, but the drone itself is more maneuverable. Such cameras can be both budget (their quality is sufficient only for photos) and professional level with the ability to shoot video in 4K. Top models of quadcopters are equipped with high-quality cameras in collaboration with famous brands (Hasselblad, Leica).

Remote camera. Drones with a remote camera have a characteristic design that allows you to attach a professional photo or video camera or an action camera. The advantages of such a drone are obvious, you can replace the complete camera with your equipment and get the quality of the footage you are used to. There are also drones on sale without a camera at all, this will save the budget.

As for camera parameters, choosing a matrix in a drone is not much different from choosing a matrix in a smartphone. The more expensive the device, the better the camera will be on board.

Here are some tips for beginners to help you choose a quadcopter with a camera:

The range of resolution in cameras can vary from 0.3 MP to 4K. This affects not only the quality of the picture, but also the size of the final frame. If your goal is a photo in social networks, then you should not chase after a high resolution. 720p and above is considered a good indicator for beginners. For professional video recording, even Full HD (1080p) may not be enough, you need to look closely at quadcopters with a 4K camera (2160p).

Controlling a drone using a smartphone has a number of limitations:

• Low sensitivity;
• The distance at which communication works rarely exceeds 30-50 meters;
• Low control accuracy;

A full-fledged complete or separately purchased remote control will give you maximum possibilities when working with the device. More on the remote control below.

Copter control panel

Quadcopters of the middle class and above are equipped with a control panel. As a rule, the “native” remote control will give you full control over all the functionality and capabilities of the drone. Nevertheless, the control panel can be easily replaced, it is only necessary to take into account the minimum requirements for compatibility.

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When choosing a remote from a third-party manufacturer, you need to look at the number of communication channels with the drone (4 or more). The flexibility of drone control depends on the number of channels, since a separate channel is allocated to each device built into the drone (motors, camera, sensors, stabilizer, etc.). Therefore, the cooler the drone, the cooler its remote control and the number of devices that you can control separately.

Sensors

The capabilities of the quadcopter can be very wide depending on the number of built-in sensors:

• GPSallows you to set flyover or landing points on the map;
• Barometer/altimeter for better orientation at altitude and determination of atmospheric pressure;
• Accelerometers to determine the angle of inclination of the drone and its speed;
• Magnetometer compass that will help in navigation;
• Gyroscope for measuring angular acceleration.

All this technological filling will allow you to automate many processes and perform some useful tricks, which will be discussed below.

Software Features

If the quadcopter is equipped with a sufficient number of gauges and sensors, you will be able to implement many interesting usage scenarios.

Additional software functions not only facilitate management and execution of assigned tasks, but also allow you to achieve impressive shots. Here are the most popular:

• Homecoming. If you lose sight of the quadcopter or simply lose interest in it, the drone will fly by itself and land in the place from where it was launched with an accuracy of up to 1m when this function is activated. If the drone is smart enough, it won’t even run into obstacles.
• Automatic flight. The drone will pass and shoot everything at the points designated on the map. The danger of running into obstacles remains.
• Headless Mode. Headless mode means that the drone will be controlled independently of its own orientation in space. That is, if the drone is turned “face” towards you and you press “right” on the remote control, the drone will fly to your “right” and not to its own.
• Follow me. At the indicated height and distance, the drone will follow the operator.
• Flying point. Flight around a given point at a certain distance and altitude.

• First person view (FPV). Using special glasses or a helmet that will allow you to “see through the eyes of the drone”. Very interesting user experience, but requires additional equipment and a powerful communication channel.
• Altitude hold. The drone hovers at the selected altitude using the built-in barometer.
• Changing flight speed. You can set not only the flyover points, but also the speed for a more effective video sequence.
• Automatic take-off and landing. Makes working with the drone much easier at first.
• Gesture control. Special gloves or attachments on the fingers are used for this. Allows you to effectively control the flight of the drone with a wave of the hand during performances or shows.
• Automatic obstacle avoidance. The drone itself will determine the obstacle in front of it and fly around it. A key function that ensures the high-quality operation of all previous ones and saves the device from disasters.

Communication technology

Several types of communication are used to transmit the signal between the control panel and the drone.

• Bluetooth. It is used in the cheapest drones and is slowly being replaced by more advanced types of communication.
• Wi-Fi. Fairly high-quality digital type of communication but has limitations in terms of distance and stability.
• Radio channel. The most common analog communication channel. The most common standard is 2.4 GHz (long distance, but does not pass through walls well) and less often 5.8 GHz (high signal transmission speed and shorter range).
• Proprietary technologies (such as DJI’s Lightbridge). Own developments of drone manufacturers. As a rule, the development of the above standards is used.

Radius

The maximum range of the drone is determined by the type of communication used and the power of the transmitter. Cheap drones controlled by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi fly at a distance of no more than 10-20 m.

PRO segment drones can exchange signals at a distance of up to 10 km. It should be taken into account that the laws of physics will reduce the functionality and quality of the picture with every kilometer that moves the drone away from the operator.

Before buying

First of all, before choosing a quadcopter, you need to clearly define how you are going to use it. For a better understanding, ask yourself the following questions:

For what purpose the filmed material will be used

The answer to this question will help you determine what benefit you will get from the drone and what programs you will need to install on it. Having a well-thought-out and clear plan for the application of captured data will not only help you choose the right drone, but also save time and money. As a rule, goals can be fit into the following categories:

• Children’s gift: A budget model with no camera at all may be suitable for this if the drone is treated as a relatively expensive toy.
• Social Media: To get a good selfie or group photo from vacation, you need a small drone with good stabilization or a phone mount. Working time does not play a big role.
• Hunting: it is desirable to have a good battery, protection against moisture, dust and mechanical damage, as well as a thermal imager.

• Marketing: You will need 4K video and high resolution photos;
• Inspection: 20fps mechanical shutter and high-resolution video transmission to remote control;
• Cartography: project maps with GPS support and data on the heights of terrain points;
• Vertical scanning: LIDAR laser scanner, full color camera and 3D modeling software.

Frequency of use

How often you intend to use your quadcopter affects the choice of drone design and stuffing. Determine in advance how often the UAV will be used:

• Daily/Weekly: This should be a professional category drone designed for frequent use and long flights.
• Seasonal/Annual: In this case, you may not have to think too much about special insurance and prefer a model that is simple and clear to use.

Protection

What drone to buy to work in extreme conditions? The level of protection of a drone directly depends on its purpose:

• Amateur devices have minimal blade protection and are designed to work in ideal conditions (no precipitation and minimal wind).
• Mid-level quadcopters already have strong bodies made of high-quality polymer or metal, elastic blades and devices for emergency landing.
• Drones of the top segment and professional models are equipped with advanced radars for orientation in space, which helps to avoid collision. Also, the housing of such devices is protected against heavy rain, wind, sand and dust. As a rule, such a drone has a lot of parts that are easy to replace, which greatly simplifies repairs.

needs of the armed forces. Such aircraft are not available to the average user due to the high price and legal restrictions. However, even familiar civilian quadcopters are widely used in war, and often have a number of advantages:

• Civilian drones are many times cheaper than military designs.
• A regular drone is designed for use even by an untrained user.
• Can be bought at almost any electronics store.

These qualities allow ordinary drones to participate in hostilities no worse than military modifications.