Simply put, a drone is a peculiar-looking device that can fly. UAV (or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is another way to refer to a drone if you want to get technical. These things are piloted by someone from the ground or programmed to fly without human intervention.
When humans are at the helm of drones, they use a rather sophisticated radio controller to guide the vehicle in flight. In a future article, I will discuss the specifics of these types of controllers.
Having something that flies is terrific, but what makes this gadget unique? Well, its actual value resides in its payload. A payload is something added to a drone that gives it a specific function. A still/video camera is an example of a particular attachment that adds value. Surveillance and rescue operations are just some of the many uses of camera-carrying drones.
If you were to smash one of these flying marvels on the ground, these are the likely components you would find when sifting through the wreckage (please don't do this). You would discover the frame, propellers, flight controller, battery (these are usually lithium-polymer batteries), and a camera system. Let's look at each of these in greater detail.
Almost anything constructed has some sort of frame (homes, boats, cars, etc...), and a drone is no different. The frame gives it structure and holds all of the other components.
The materials and design used in frame construction vary depending on its anticipated use. For example, racing drone frames focus on aerodynamics and sturdy construction (using special plastics and carbon fiber is common). The reason is that racing drones have a need for speed. They also tend to have their share of crashes just by the nature of the activity.
On the other hand, if you use a drone for surveillance purposes in a windy area, you would want something different. Perhaps a durable frame with a bit more weight to help counter the unpredictable breezes. Onward to the next component - propellers.
Most of you know what propellers are, so I'll keep this brief. When the props spin, they provide the lift necessary for the drone to take flight. The primary consideration about props is what's known as the pitch. The pitch is the angle of the propeller blade. Changes in this angle create changes in the flying characteristics of the drone.
There are two types of propellers: fixed pitch and variable pitch. Fixed-pitch props are ideal if you use the drone for a specific function and in consistent weather conditions. Variable props allow you to adjust the pitch to accommodate different drone uses and weather situations. Up next - the flight controller.
The flight controller sits in the center of everything, and it does precisely what the name implies - it controls. Consider it the brains of the operation. Keeping the drone stable in flight, maintaining the function of the camera, and processing all of the data from the various sensors are just a few of the controller's duties.
The propellers, flight controller, and camera are simply decorations without the battery. Drones typically utilize lithium-polymer batteries. Smartphones and electric cars also use LPB technology.
There are several reasons for the use of lithium-polymer batteries. For one, they are lightweight and durable, a necessary quality for drone use. They also have a high energy density. This attribute means they can stay in the air for lengthy periods. Thirdly, these batteries recharge quickly, which gets you back airborne ASAP.
I'm sure it has a camera attached if it's a drone. The camera is likely the most heavily used component of all drones. These attached cameras provide an incredibly unique viewpoint. This characteristic alone makes these vehicles quite a valuable commodity.
You will often see drone videos used in movies and commercials. These videos also appear in newscasts and real estate promotions and help the authorities in search/rescue operations. The uses of this camera footage are limitless.
Due to the sometimes erratic movement of the drone, the camera system does incorporate a gimbal. The gimbal ensures the camera remains steady and creates clear images/video even when the conditions are less than ideal.
So that covers what these things are and some insights into how their constructed. In future posts, I will expand on some of the information discussed above. I look forward to diving ever deeper into the world of drones.