Drones have revolutionized the way we capture aerial footage, conduct inspections, and explore remote locations. But for tasks demanding extensive coverage or prolonged flight times, standard drones fall short. This is where long-range drones come in, offering unparalleled capabilities for professional and hobbyist applications alike.
This article delves into the exciting world of long-range drones, exploring two prominent types: multirotor drones and fixed-wing drones. We'll unveil top contenders in each category, highlighting their unique features and target uses.
Top Long Range Multirotor Drones
Multirotor drones, also known as quadcopters, are renowned for their maneuverability and stability. When equipped for long-range flight, they become powerful tools for diverse operations:
DJI Matrice 300 RTK:
This high-performance drone boasts a 55-minute flight time and a robust design for harsh environments. Its advanced payload capacity allows for integrating various high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors, making it ideal for surveying, search and rescue, and industrial inspections.
Autel Robotics EVO II Pro:
Offering a 40-minute flight time and a 9km control range, the EVO II Pro strikes a balance between portability and endurance. Its 6K camera with a 1-inch sensor delivers stunning visuals, while its omnidirectional obstacle avoidance ensures safe flight operations.
Yuneec H520E:
This heavy-lift drone delivers exceptional payload capacity, making it a valuable asset for professional photography and cinematography. Its 31-minute flight time and 5km control range provide ample opportunity to capture breathtaking aerial shots.
Freefly Alta X:
Designed for professional cinematography, the Alta X prioritizes stability and image quality. With a 60-minute flight time and a robust build, it can handle demanding filming projects. Its interchangeable payload system allows for integrating various high-end cameras.
TBS Discovery:
A popular choice among DIY enthusiasts, the Discovery offers a customizable platform for building a long-range FPV drone. Its modular design allows for integrating various high-performance components, enabling users to tailor the drone to their specific needs.
Skydio 2:
This AI-powered drone boasts autonomous flight capabilities, making it user-friendly even for beginners. With a 25-minute flight time and a 3.5km range, it offers an effortless way to capture stunning aerial footage.
DJI Mavic 3:
This consumer-oriented drone offers a compelling balance between portability, image quality, and range. With a 46-minute flight time and a 7km control range, it allows casual users to capture professional-looking aerial photos and videos.
Top Long-Range Military Drones:
E-Flight Icon+:
This user-friendly fixed-wing drone offers a remarkable 2-hour flight time and a range exceeding 100km. Its simple design and intuitive controls make it a great entry point for exploring the world of long-range fixed-wing flight.
SenseFly eBee X:
Designed for professional mapping and surveying, the eBee X boasts a 90-minute flight time and a 150km range. Its high-resolution camera captures detailed imagery of vast areas, making it an invaluable tool for agricultural and environmental applications.
AeroVironment Quantix Tactical Systems (QT-S):
Designed for military and defense applications, the QT-S prioritizes reliability and long-range performance. Its impressive 16-hour flight time and a range exceeding 250km make it a valuable asset for reconnaissance and border patrol missions.
ALTAIR Dominator:
This robust fixed-wing drone is built for harsh environments. Its weatherproof design and long-range capabilities (1.5-hour flight time and 100km range) make it a reliable choice for search and rescue operations, disaster response, and industrial inspections.
| Drone Name | Drone Type | Drone Range | Drone Manufacturer |
| DJI Matrice 300 RTK | Multirotor | 55 km | DJI |
| Autel Robotics EVO II Pro | Multirotor | 9 km | Autel Robotics |
| Yuneec H520E | Multirotor | 5 km | Yuneec |
| Freefly Alta X | Multirotor | Not specified (long-range) | Freefly |
| TBS Discovery | Multirotor (Customizable) | Not specified (long-range) | TBS |
| Armattan Taranis X9 | Multirotor | 25+ km | Armattan |
| Emmett Immortal T+ | Multirotor | Not specified (long-range) | Emmett |
| GetFPV Cheetah | Multirotor | 20 km | GetFPV |
| Skydio 2 | Multirotor | 3.5 km | Skydio |
| DJI Mavic 3 | Multirotor | 7 km | DJI |
| E-Flight Icon+ | Fixed-Wing | 100+ km | E-Flight |
| SenseFly eBee X | Fixed-Wing | 150 km | SenseFly |
| Ping Pong Aeronautics Mantis | Fixed-Wing | 200+ km | Ping Pong Aeronautics |
| Yamaha YMR-01 | Fixed-Wing | 300+ km | Yamaha |
| AeroVironment Quantix Tactical Systems (QT-S) | Fixed-Wing | 250+ km | AeroVironment |
| Phase One iXU series | Fixed-Wing | 150 km | Phase One |
| ALTAIR Dominator | Fixed-Wing | 100 km | ALTAIR |
| Blackwing Aerospace Sparrow | Fixed-Wing | 25 km | Blackwing Aerospace |
| VTOL X-Hawk | Fixed-Wing (VTOL) | 100 km | X-Hawk |
| Airborne Technologies Diamond DA42 UAV | Fixed-Wing | 2,500+ km | Airborne Technologies |
| General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper | Military Fixed-Wing | 1,850+ km | General Atomics |
| Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk | Military Fixed-Wing | Not specified (long-range) | Northrop Grumman |
| Schiebel Camcopter S-100 | Military Fixed-Wing | 8,000+ km | Schiebel |
| Chengdu Aerospace Corporation Wing Loong III (WZ-7) | Military Fixed-Wing | 5,000+ km | Chengdu Aerospace Corporation |
| Baykar Makina Bayraktar TB2 | Military Fixed-Wing | 300 km | Baykar Makina |
| Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron TP | Military Fixed-Wing | 1,400+ km | Israel Aerospace Industries |
| Saab JAS Gripen NG (UCAV variant) | Military Fixed-Wing (proposed) | Not specified (long-range) | Saab |
| CAIG Rainbow (Caihong) series | Military Fixed-Wing (various models) | Not specified (long-range) | CAIG |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) Yasour | Military Fixed-Wing (under development) | Not specified (long-range) | United Arab Emirates |
| Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter) | Military Fixed-Wing | 6,000+ km | Sukhoi |
Inphoenix Aviation can be your one-stop shop for bringing your drone dreams to life. Their AI-powered design process can help you brainstorm and solidify your concept, considering factors like payload and flight range. Their team of CAD modeling experts, proficient in industry-leading software, will then translate your vision into detailed blueprints. Inphoenix Aviation's capabilities may even extend to manufacturing, utilizing techniques like 3D printing and CNC machining to craft your drone. Finally, they can guide you through the testing and refinement phase, ensuring your drone performs flawlessly before takeoff.