Quadcopter: what it is, types, uses

A quadcopter or drone is a radio-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle that operates on the principle of a helicopter. It has a minimum of four blade systems with individual electric motors. Sophisticated electronics regulate the motors and provide control. Most drones are equipped with cameras, can record video or transmit data to a computer or smartphone. Drones vary in purpose and design.

Features affecting the application

The main characteristics of quadcopters:

• The size of drones is determined by the distance between the motors. The bigger the drone (higher its class), the more stable the device in the air. Such a quadcopter can lift a heavier load.
• Type of motor. Collector type is put in cheap models, geared motor - in more powerful drones, capable of carrying loads. But they overheat and need pauses to cool down. Collectorless motors are used in expensive models. They do not heat up much and give high speed.
• Drones run on battery, gasoline, or hydrogen. They can fly for up to 3 hours on fuel and up to 4 hours on hydrogen.
• There are different remote control systems: push-button, lever, electronic with display. There may be no remote control, it is controlled via an application on your smartphone.

Drones for entertainment purposes

These are inexpensive devices without cameras. They are launched as a radio-controlled flying toy. More expensive models have mounts for the camera. It can be installed separately or it can come in a set. The flight range is low, the functionality is minimal, designed for sightseeing.

Quadcopters for aerial photography

Previously, panoramic photography was done from helicopters, which was expensive. Now you can do it with quadcopters. Such devices have a highly stabilized control system, the movement is smooth. When shooting photos and videos, the image does not shake, the frames are clear, the recording is without jerks.

Quadcopters are used by photographers, video makers and travelers. Drones allow you to shoot terrain from above. Quadcopters are maneuverable, so you can catch unusual angles and create spectacular videos. Using a variety of accessories for drones, you can greatly expand their functionality.

Quadcopters for cargo delivery

These drones have mounts that can secure a small load. The apparatus is more powerful, which makes it possible to lift heavy objects. Some courier services use quadcopters to deliver orders. Drones do this faster than the fastest courier, as they take the shortest route to the recipient by air, and do not encounter delays in the form of bypass roads and traffic jams.

Geodesic quadcopters

These are powerful machines that can move quickly, but are so stabilized in the air that they can take geodetic pictures. Photos are taken with the same accuracy as ground-based devices that are fixed on poles. They are convenient to use:

• on rough terrain;
• in places that are difficult to get to;
• where it is not possible to install equipment on the ground.

In addition, it is much easier and faster to get the coordinates of points from the air.

Drones for the agricultural sector

These machines have a high load capacity. They are capable of carrying liquid for spraying plants or trees. One refill is enough to treat a small field. When the solution runs out or the battery dies, the drone returns to the starting point. Although a small quadcopter irrigates the field longer than a special machine, it does not damage plants with its wheels. To treat the field, a generator is installed. It charges extra batteries while the drone is running.