Ever wondered what goes into the construction of a drone? While a variety of components and features drive drone technology, a small handful of parts are considered crucial for the seamless functionality of each model.
Here are the core components that you probably shouldn’t ignore if you’re looking at successfully developing a drone unit.
Propellers
Propeller design is an integral part of what makes drones highly mobile. There are several types of propellers and the standard “tractor” propeller can be found at the front of the quadcopter, pulling the quadcopter through the air like a tractor. Most drone propellers are built from plastic, while higher-quality propellers are made of carbon fibre.
Pusher propellers are responsible for the forward and backward thrust of the drone during flight so they are important as well. There’s a lot of innovation in the development of propeller design as this component contributes in a big way to a smoother flying experience as well as longer flight times.
Motors
Much like other mobile machines or vehicles available on the market, you’re probably going to find that your drone won’t be able to run without a motor. Brushless electric “out-runner” type motors are designed to be more efficient, reliable and silent compared to the standard brushed motors. Developers often focus on the design and efficiency of motors as they can save battery life and contribute to longer flying times.
Landing Gear
Motors and propellers will get drones to fly up high into the air but they won’t be able to make a proper landing without the right landing gear. Some drones need higher ground clearance (similar to helicopters). Others may not have a hanging payload and, as such, can omit landing gear altogether. Some drones have fixed landing gear but the best models usually feature retractable landing gear which means that users will have a full 360-degree view when in the air.
Controllers
Drones are typically controlled by pilots that use controllers to guide and navigate the machine. Electronic speed controllers (ESC) include an electric circuit that can monitor and vary speed levels during flight. These controllers are also responsible for the direction of flight and variations in brakes of the drone. Modern drones usually depend entirely on the ESC and pilots can deploy flight, speed and performance needs through the incorporation of a well-designed ESC.
These are just some of the basic components needed in order to produce a fully-functional drone. While there are many other components that contribute to a model’s effectiveness, you’re probably not going to get anywhere without the essentials. The drone industry is exciting and full of potential. Developers work on innovating newer, faster and better equipment as well as parts and features. Together with other technology-driven developments (including Big Data and the Internet of Things), drones are at the forefront of disruption and are impacting many industries across the globe. If you’re looking to get in on the action, understand how these machines are built and maintained. A rewarding career working with drones could be yours.
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