drone (English Medium)

 

Drone

A drone is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is flown without a pilot using a remote control, computer, or automated system. Today, it is widely used in photography, surveying, security, agriculture, and military fields.

Father of Drone

Abraham Karem is known as the Father of Drone. He was a famous engineer and inventor who developed the technology of modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Abraham Karem is called the Father of Drone because he designed and built the first modern UAV “Albatross.” After that, he developed the “Predator” drone.

Definitions of Drone
A drone is an unmanned flying device that is controlled by a remote control.
OR
A drone is a flying machine without a pilot, which is operated from a distance.
OR
A drone is an aerial machine that flies in the air and works with the help of a camera or sensors.
OR
A drone is an aerial device that is operated through a remote control.
OR
A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is operated by a remote control or an automated system.

Components of Drone

1.     Propeller (Propellers)

2.     Motor (Motor)
a) Three Phase Motor
b) Two Phase Motor

3.     Frame (Frame)

4.     Battery (Battery)

5.     Camera (Camera)

6.     GPS (Global Positioning System)

7.     Flight Controller (Flight Controller)

8.     ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)

9.     Power Distribution Board (PDB – Power Distribution Board)

10.  VTX / VRX (Video Transmitter / Video Receiver)

1. Propeller
Propellers lift the drone into the air and help it to fly. When the motor rotates the propeller, it pushes air downward, which causes the drone to move upward.
Features:

1.     Made of plastic or carbon fiber

2.     Carbon fiber propellers are light, strong, and durable

3.     The size and speed of the propeller affect the flight of the drone

2. Motor
The motor provides the necessary energy to rotate the propellers and helps the drone to fly.
Types of Motors:

(a) Three Phase Motor:

1.     Light and powerful

2.     High speed (High RPM) with low energy consumption

3.     More precise control

4.     Most commonly used in drones

(b) Two Phase Motor:

1.     Heavy and large in size

2.     Consumes more energy

3.     Less commonly used in drones

3. Frame
The frame is called the skeleton of the drone.
Functions:

1.     Holds all components together

2.     Provides strength and balance to the drone

3.     Protects from vibrations and shocks during flight

4. Battery
The battery supplies power to all parts of the drone.
Features:

1.     Generally lithium polymer (Li-Po) batteries are used

2.     Lightweight

3.     High power and fast charging capability

5. Camera
Whether a drone has a camera or not depends on its use.
Types and Uses:

1.     Some drones are without cameras

2.     HD or 4K cameras are used for photography and videography

3.     Used in surveying, mapping, and surveillance

6. GPS (Global Positioning System)
GPS provides accurate information about the position and direction of the drone.
Information obtained from GPS:

1.     Latitude

2.     Longitude

3.     Elevation

4.     Direction
GPS is very important for navigation and safe flight of drones.

7. Flight Controller (Flight Controller)
It is called the brain of the drone.
Functions:

1.     Maintains balance of the drone

2.     Changes direction

3.     Follows the operator’s commands

4.     Controls all sensors and systems

8. ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
ESC controls the speed of the motor.
Functions:

1.     Controls the electric current flowing into the motor

2.     Determines the speed of the propeller

3.     Used in brushless DC motors

9. Power Distribution Board (PDB – Power Distribution Board)
PDB distributes power to all electrical components of the drone.
Functions:
Distributes power received from the battery to:

1.     Motor

2.     ESC

3.     Other electronic components

10. VTX / VRX (Video Transmitter / Video Receiver)
These are the main components of the FPV (First Person View) system.

VTX (Video Transmitter):
• Sends video signals from the camera

VRX (Video Receiver):

1.     Receives video signals

2.     Displays them on an FPV monitor or goggles

 

Classification of Drones
Drones are classified into different categories based on their size, capacity, and use. The classification of drones based on size is as follows:

1.     Classification based on size

2.     Classification of drones based on structure

3.     Classification of drones based on payload capacity

1. Based on Size:

(a) Nano Drones:
These drones are very small and generally insect-sized. Their weight is very low and they can fly in limited areas.
Uses:

1.     Spy activities

2.     Surveillance

3.     Research and special missions

(b) Small Drones:
These are slightly larger than nano drones and are easy to fly.
Uses:

1.     Recreational use

2.     Photography and videography

3.     Educational practice

(c) Medium Drones:
These drones are larger in size and more powerful. They require more energy and advanced control systems to fly.
Uses:

1.     Land surveying

2.     Mapping

3.     Commercial work

4.     Industrial inspection

(d) Large Drones:
These drones look like small aircraft and are extremely powerful. Their flight range and payload capacity are high.
Uses:

1.     Military work

2.     Border security

3.     Surveillance and defense

4.     Special technical missions

2. Classification of Drones Based on Structure
Drones are also classified based on their structure and method of flight.

1. Multi-Rotor Drones
These drones have more than one rotor (motor), such as:
Tricopter (3 rotors), Quadcopter (4 rotors), and Hexacopter (6 rotors).
Features:

1.     Can hover in the air

2.     Good flight control

3.     Easy to fly
Uses:

4.     Photography and videography

5.     Surveillance

6.     Recreation and inspection

2. Fixed-Wing Drones
The structure of these drones is like an airplane and they have wings.
Features:

1.     Long-distance flight

2.     Low energy consumption

3.     Longer flight time
Uses:

4.     Surveying

5.     Agricultural inspection

6.     Mapping of large areas

3. Single-Rotor Drones
These drones have only one main rotor, which works like a helicopter.
Features:

1.     Ability to lift heavy payloads

2.     Long flight duration

3.     Powerful engine
Uses:

4.     Military work

5.     Transportation of heavy equipment

6.     Scientific research

4. Fixed-Wing Hybrid VTOL Drones
VTOL means Vertical Take-Off and Landing, that is, these drones can take off and land vertically without a runway.
Features:

1.     Long-distance flight

2.     No runway required

3.     Speed of fixed-wing and stability of multi-rotor
Uses:

4.     Military missions

5.     Disaster management

6.     Delivery services

7.     Advanced mapping

3. Classification of Drones Based on Payload Capacity
Payload capacity means the additional load carried by a drone, such as a camera, sensors, equipment, medicines, or other materials. Based on payload capacity, drones are classified as follows:

1. Feather Weight Drones
These drones are very light and generally fall under the nano category.
Features:

1.     Weight approximately 4 grams to 100 grams

2.     Very low payload capacity
Uses:

3.     Educational purposes

4.     Research work

5.     Indoor flying and experiments

2. Light Weight Drones
These are often called mini drones.
Features:

1.     Weight from 200 grams to 1 kilogram

2.     Limited payload capacity
Uses:

3.     Photography and videography

4.     Recreation

5.     Small commercial work

3. Middle Weight Drones
These drones are medium in size and power and are equipped with advanced technology.
Features:

1.     Medium payload lifting capacity

2.     Stable and long flight
Uses:

3.     Commercial work

4.     Surveying and mapping

5.     Military surveillance and reconnaissance

4. Heavy Lift Drones
These drones are very large and extremely powerful.
Features:

1.     Weight more than 160 kilograms

2.     Very high payload lifting capacity
Uses:

3.     Military operations

4.     Transportation of heavy goods

5.     Disaster management

6.     Special defense and technical work

UAV
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is called an unmanned aerial vehicle.
It is an aircraft in which no pilot is seated to fly it. It is flown using a remote control, computer system, or automated program.
Features of UAV:

1.     Flight without a pilot

2.     Remote-controlled or automated operation

3.     Available in sizes ranging from small to large
Uses of UAV:

4.     Surveillance and security

5.     Agricultural work (crop inspection, spraying)

6.     Disaster management

7.     Military and defense work

UAS
UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) is called an unmanned aircraft system.
UAS is not only a drone (UAV), but a complete system that includes all components related to flying, controlling, and safely operating the drone.
Components included in UAS:

1.     UAV (drone)

2.     Ground control station (Remote Controller)

3.     Communication link

4.     GPS, sensors, and software

Function of UAS:
UAS ensures the flight, control, navigation, data collection, and safe operation of the drone.