When it comes to choosing a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to complete your project’s mission, there are many things to consider. The first and most likely most critical consideration is how long you will need the drone surveying to be in the air. There are certainly other considerations to consider, such as payload capability, VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) capabilities, and so on.
These are the five reasons why you should choose a VTOL UAV for your service.
High-Elevation
These drones fly at a longer elevation than other drones. This is because of the huge land areas and topography covered; gathering scientific data for surveys and agriculture is simpler. The bulk of long-range drones can be operated up to 400 miles away.
Weather
Fixed-wing UAVs can withstand much more weather than multi-rotors when it comes to weather conditions. Strong winds easily deplete batteries that can last up to 45 minutes, enabling them to fly for several kilometers. In real-world conditions at sea level, a completely fuelled VTOL UAV with no payload will last up to 12 hours.
Maintenance
When comparing fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs, it’s also important to consider maintenance. Drones with a fixed-wing have a much simpler structure and are easier to manage and repair. Repairs on multirotor drones can take longer and cost more because their mechanical and electronic structures are complex. With each landing, a conventional fixed-wing drone, which needs a catapult to launch, will continue to sustain damage to the aircraft and payload. The cost of maintenance for each flight is substantial.
Capacity of payload
Long-lasting Multi-rotor drones cannot bear as much weight as fixed-wing drones. When a drone is used to transport small packages, endurance is crucial. Since a VTOL UAV does not need additional landing gear, it can carry a greater payload. Along with a successful landing and unharmed cargo. The maximum secure payload for a VTOL UAV is 1.5kg. The combustible tank holds 3 liters or just over 2 kilograms of fuel. If a larger payload is needed, less fuel can be used, resulting in shorter flight times.
Time is a valuable commodity
Keeping the drone in the air for longer periods saves a lot of time compared to getting it down every half hour, whether for building, repair, agriculture, or public safety. In a single flight, most of these drones can easily cover a 250-1000 acre plot. When it comes to land surveying, a survey can normally be done on only one trip, saving a lot of time. Using a VTOL aircraft would save both money and time. Setting up catapult equipment is a time-consuming process, and the cost of this additional equipment and the heavy-duty landing gear are both considerations to consider.
Conclusion-
To select a VTOL UAV that will pay off and make money, you must be confident in the accuracy of the results you will get and the reliability and efficiency of the UAV. The ideal VTOL UAV should be easy to operate, compact, and ready to fly in a short amount of time. He must have a variety of payload options and intuitively simple management and integration with competent photogrammetric tools.
