Rotary-wing drones: Types, characteristics and prices

Today everyone has heard of what a drone is and has even seen one. However, there is a huge world behind this small term. And it is that today, the use of this type of device has spread much more than we think. If you have come this far, you are surely interested in buying an aerial drone, therefore, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about them and what you should look for before buying one.

To put ourselves in context, the first thing we must be clear about is that there are many types of drones depending on the means by which they move, the use they are given or the way to control them. Now, within each type, it is possible to make different classifications taking into account other details.

Rotary-wing drones: Types, characteristics and prices

What is a drone and what types are there

In short, a drone or drone is nothing more than an unmanned vehicle . In addition, when we refer to aerial models, we can also find that they are called UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or in English UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

Depending on the means by which they move, it is possible to distinguish between sea, air or land. Now, within each of them, we can find models intended for leisure, professional or even military use.

In this content we are going to focus on aerial models, which we could again classify into two types according to the type of wing:

  • Fixed-wing . As their name suggests, they are those equipped with fixed wings. Models that normally need some kind of help or runway to land and take off, since they are not capable of doing it on their own. Aesthetically, they are the closest thing to a normal plane and their excellent aerodynamics means that they can often offer great flight autonomy. They are frequently used professionally in topography, agriculture or to map large areas.
  • Rotary wing . They are perhaps the most popular. Models that have propellers at the ends of each arm and that are driven by motors. These types can hover over a site and hover over that area, something fixed-wings don’t offer.

Rotary-wing or multi-rotor aerial drones

Within the rotary wing drones, we can still make a new classification based on the number of arms they have. In this way, we find the following types:

  • Tricopters . They are the models equipped with three arms and three motors, one for each arm. The two front ones rotate in the opposite direction for a smooth flight, while the rear one usually provides stability.
  • Quadcopter . These types of drones are what have four arms and four motors. They are the most popular models and used for leisure, hence they are one of the best sellers.
  • Hexacopters . As its name suggests, they are aircraft with six arms and one motor for each arm. Models that offer great flight stability, so they are usually used for taking photos or recording video from above.
  • Octocopters . You will already imagine that they are the ones equipped with eight arms and eight motors. They offer even greater stability compared to the six-arm aircraft, although as the number of arms increases, the total power of the motors and the weight of the aircraft also increase. Therefore, they can be somewhat more difficult to control, especially in confined spaces.

drone ala rotora

There are also other types of multi-rotor aerial drones that, instead of having one motor for each arm, have two on each end. They are called Coaxial and their great power makes them capable of supporting much more weight, hence they are used in some professional tasks.

Do I need a license to fly a drone?

Surely, if you have come this far, it is because you are interested in flying a drone, probably for recreational purposes, therefore, we are going to leave you with some of the restrictions or regulations that we must comply with when flying one. First of all, it should be noted that the new law that governs the flight of this type of aircraft came into force on 12/31/2020 and establishes that no drone with a camera, despite what it weighs, is considered a toy. This means that any model that can capture images is not considered as such and must comply with current regulations.

In this case, it is important to know that any drone that flies within the airspace governed by AESA , operated and piloted (or both at the same time as it is in the case of recreational drones in most cases) must have been previously registered in TO THAT. This is something strictly necessary whether it is professional or recreational flights. Regardless of the use, it is also necessary to have civil liability insurance associated with the aircraft.

As for the MTOM , or take-off weight of the aircraft, it is important to know that if we go over 250 grams, the pilot is required to have the corresponding qualification, which can only be issued by AESA (State Aviation Safety Agency) as official entity. No academy is authorized to issue theoretical qualifications, they can only issue a confirmation of qualification for the STSES01 and STSES02 practices required for the specific category.

Last but not least, it is necessary that we review the flight zones where we want to use the drone. From the following link you can access a map where you can check if the area where I want to fly the aircraft has any type of restriction. However, if you have any questions, it is best to go to the website of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agency where you can find answers to all your questions or ask an expert agent.

Everything you should look for when buying one

When we decide to buy a rotary-wing aerial drone, it is important that we take into account a lot of aspects in order to make a good choice.

Flight time

It is undoubtedly one of the most relevant features. Therefore, the first thing we must do is check the flight autonomy. It is also convenient to review the price of the batteries compatible with each model, since in this way it is possible that we can double or triple its autonomy by changing the battery every time it is spent.

ease of control

Unless you are an experienced user, it is essential to check the ease of controlling each model. In this case, it is best to go to the ratings, opinions or comments of other users.

Action ratio

So that we all understand each other, it is the range that the drone offers us. That is, the greatest distance at which the aircraft can respond to our commands. From there, the flight will be completely uncontrolled and we are at risk of any accident or even losing the drone. The ideal is to choose a model that works without problems while it is in our field of vision.

obstacle detection

If you have a loose budget, it is important to choose a model that is capable of detecting some obstacles near its radius of action. This can considerably minimize the risk of accidents.

Camera

There are many multi-rotor aerial drones that incorporate a camera to be able to take photos or even record video. In this case, it is convenient to review its quality so that it guarantees clear and sharp images.

Memory

There are many models with a slot for external memory cards where we can store everything captured by our drone’s camera. Now, having a model that has integrated memory can save us from more than one hurry if we forget the cards.

sensors

The cheapest models usually lack sensors, but if we are looking for a more advanced model, it is very interesting to check this section. Some sensors are capable of detecting obstacles or controlling the position of the device at all times, such as the GPS sensor. In this case, it can even allow us to plan certain flight routes through GPS geopositioning.

drone con gps

Budget

As you may have already realized, the budget influences the type or model that we can buy. Certain characteristics cause the price of the aircraft to increase considerably. Now, the user experience will undoubtedly be much better.

Multirotor aerial drones for all pockets

More advanced models

DJI Mavic Air 2

Quadcopter with a built-in 48-megapixel camera and the ability to record 4K videos. A multirotor drone that offers up to 34 minutes of flight time on a single charge and offers a video transmission distance of up to 6 km in Full HD resolution. A model capable of keeping the camera fixed on a subject and with perfect framing. Ideal to follow any animal or person from the air. Its price is 849 euros.

dron de ala rotatoria DJI Mavic

DJI Mini 2

This DJI Mini 2 is another rotary-wing drone with four arms and four motors that has a built-in 12-megapixel sensor camera and is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps. Its flight time is 31 minutes, it is quite light but at the same time it is capable of withstanding strong gusts of wind. Its price is 459 euros.

dron de ala rotatoria DJI 2

Power T25

This time it is a drone made of aluminum that has WiFi connectivity and Dual GPS sensor. It has an automatic Follow Me mode that makes the quadcopter follow us without having to operate it manually, as well as a camera with a 120-degree viewing angle. It includes two 1000 mAh batteries each and an action or control range of up to 300 meters. It is a model capable of returning to us when it has little power or the signal is weak. Its price is nothing more than 199 euros.

dron de ala rotatoria Potensic

starter drones

LE-IDEA 22

Folding drone with four arms and four motors that is equipped with a camera capable of capturing 4K video and a 120-degree wide-angle sensor. It also has WiFi connectivity, follow me mode, headless mode and automatic return function. An ideal model for both adults and elderly children that is priced at 179 euros.

dron de ala rotatoria le-idea 22

Ryze Dji Tello

It is a somewhat more basic model but it includes a camera with HD resolution and offers a range of 100 meters. Ideal for videos and short flights and compatible with VR glasses and gaming devices. Its price does not reach 100 euros.

dron de ala rotatoria ryz dji tello

NEHEME NH530

It is a rotary wing drone with four arms and four motors equipped with an HD camera and ideal for the little ones. A quadcopter for beginners with easy operation, key return, take off and landing and with a gravity sensor. Its price is around 80 euros.

drones ala rotatoria neheme nh530

Tech RC

Quadcopter for beginners with HD camera, gravity sensor and headless mode. It also has keys for return, takeoff and landing so that we can handle it more easily. It weighs only 60 grams, offers up to three flight speeds, a button for 3D flips and a range of up to 10 minutes per battery (includes 2). Its price is about 55 euros.

dron de ala rotatoria Tech RC mini

Power A20

It is a mini drone with four small motors ideal for the smallest of the house. It offers up to three speed models, has a takeoff and landing button and includes three batteries that give it a range of up to 7 minutes of flight each. It has a cost of only 38 euros.

drones ala rotatoria potensic mini a20

our favorite

Taking into account the great value for money offered by the Potensic T25 rotary wing drone, it is our choice among the models included in the list. A quadcopter model equipped with a powerful camera capable of transmitting images in real time in 3K resolution and with a viewing angle of 120 degrees.

The fact of being equipped with GPS allows knowing precise details about the location of the drone, it has a follow me mode and an improved 9-axis gyroscope with great resistance when viewing and that allows more stable flights to record video or take photos with the best possible quality.

Once you receive the drone at home and open the box, this is everything you will find inside:

  • Potensic T25 Drone (2K HD Camera)
  • Aluminum carrying case
  • Transmitter
  • 2 x 3.7V 1000mAH Batteries
  • User manual
  • USB battery charger
  • Screwdriver
  • 2 x extra landing gears
  • 4 x extra propeller blades
  • 4 x extra protection guards