Advantages of Fixed Wing UAV vs. Rotary Wing

The Albatross UAV from Applied Aeronautics

UAV aircraft can be distilled into two categories, fixed wing and, rotary wing. Today we’ll be addressing fixed-wing platforms, which we believe offer significant advantages in most commercial applications.

1. Increased Operational Efficiency: Fixed-wing platforms are more operationally efficient than quadcopters. This translates into longer flight times, extended range and consequently more ground covered per mission. Where the average quadcopter can get around 15-25 minutes of flight time, fixed wing systems gets anywhere from 1-5 hrs, making them better suited to missions with extensive data collection needs as well as long-range ISR, search and rescue support and emergency management. 

2. Better Aerodynamic Performance: Fixed wing systems also offer better aerodynamic performance and are only marginally influenced by environmental conditions so they can accomplish missions in high winds making them well suited for use in a range of environments. 

3. Greater Payload Versatility: Fixed-wing platforms are capable of carrying far greater payloads for longer distances than quadcopters. This allows the end user to carry more and bigger sensors as well as twin sensor configurations and vital supplies for things like search and rescue missions, humanitarian projects. etc.

For more information on long-range fixed wing platforms, check out the Albatross UAV at AppliedAeronautics.com