9 Best Fixed Wing Drones in 2024

Fixed wing drones, also known as fixed wing UAVs, are emerging as versatile tools for professional aerial surveying, mapping, and inspection applications. Their airplane-like design allows fixed wing drones to cover large areas efficiently for up to hours of flight time. In 2024, fixed wing drones are getting smarter, longer range, and better at autonomous flight. Here are some of the best fixed wing drones that will excel in aerial applications this year.

In this article I will recommend this drones for you:

1.Autel Dragonfish

2.Parrot Disco

3.Airbus Vahana

4.Parrot Swing

5.WingrtraOne

6.Sonicmodell AR Wing Pro

7.Atom RC Fixed Wing Dolphin

8.The EBeeX 

9.P51 Mustang

Let’s started！

What are fixed wing drones?

Fixed wing drones are a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that use fixed airplane-style wings for flight, rather than rotating blades like on quadcopters and multirotors. They generate lift and propulsion by moving forward continuously through the air. Fixed wing drones typically have longer flight times ranging from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the model. They are especially suited for mapping or surveying large areas efficiently. Their aerodynamic design allows fixed wing UAVs to fly at faster speeds with greater payloads than rotor-based drones. However, they require open spaces for takeoff and landing and are less maneuverable than multirotors. Professional fixed wing drones are often used for agricultural surveys, infrastructure inspections, environmental research, and military reconnaissance. Advancements in autopilot and sensor technology are making high-end fixed wing UAVs increasingly automated and capable of performing complex missions.

What are the main features of Expensive Drones？

• Advanced camera systems – Expensive drones often have interchangeable camera payloads like DSLRs or large sensor cameras capable of high resolution stills and video. The cameras are stabilized on gimbals.
• Long flight times – By using advanced battery technology and aerodynamic designs, expensive drones can fly for 30 minutes to over an hour on a single charge.
• Long transmission ranges – Using proprietary wireless transmission systems, high-end drones can stream live video and communicate with the pilot/controller from miles away.
• Autonomous flight modes – Expensive drones have sophisticated onboard computers and sensors to enable autonomous functions like self-landing, visual tracking of subjects, waypoint navigation, obstacle avoidance and more.
• Durable, modular designs – The frames and components are made from high-quality materials and engineered for reliability and easy repairs/upgrades.
• Large payload capacities – Heavy lifting drones that carry cinema cameras or other gear may have payload capacities of 10 pounds or more.
• Enterprise software integrations – Drone fleet management, data processing, and integration with enterprise tools and cloud platforms for workflows.
• Premium service warranties and support – Guaranteed product replacement and technical support from the manufacturer.
• Advanced data processing – Expensive drones may have integrated geospatial data processing for things like 3D photogrammetry and terrain mapping.

What should you pay attention to when buying a Expensive Drone?

• Intended use case – Consider what types of jobs and environments you aim to use the drone for, as certain models are better suited for specific applications.
• Camera specs and quality – The camera system is one of the most important components, so check sensor size, resolution, framerates, stabilization, and interchangeable options.
• Flight time – Longer flight times expand your capability for flights, but may require purchasing extra batteries.
• Maximum range – If you need to fly long distances, look for models with transmission systems that can maintain a solid video link up to a few miles away.
• Autonomous flight modes – Determine what automated flight modes like tracking, waypoint navigation, orbiting, etc. you require.
• Size/portability – Some expensive drones fold up for easier transport if you need to deploy in multiple locations. But larger drones carry bigger payloads.
• Safety features and redundancies – Obstacle avoidance sensors, parachutes, and redundant components provide a safety net, especially for new pilots.
• Ease of control and operation – More complex drones require training, so opt for intuitive and automated controls if new to piloting.
• Brand reputation and support – Esteemed drone brands typically offer better warranties, technical assistance, replacement parts, and software updates.
• Regulatory compliance – Make sure the drone meets registration requirements and can operate legally in your jurisdiction.

9 Best Fixed Wing Drones in 2024

1.Autel Dragonfish

The Autel Dragonfish is an industrial grade twin-engine drone designed for professional aerial photography, inspection and mapping applications. With a maximum payload of 2.2 lbs and foldable frame, it combines heavy lifting with portability.

Pros

• Twin engines provide redundancy for safety and lift for heavy payloads
• Up to 55 minutes of flight time
• EO/IR gimbal camera with 200x zoom for detail
• Automated flight modes for inspection and mapping
• Rugged IP67 weatherproof design
• Advanced computer vision and Lidar sensors
• Encrypted HD video transmission up to 7.4mi range

Cons

• High price tag over $15,000 USD
• Large size even when folded, weighs over 15lbs
• Requires professional operator training and certification
• Overkill for hobbyist aerial photography
• Geo-fencing restrictions on automated flight
• App connectivity issues noted in some user reviews
• Longer battery recharge time due to twin batteries

In summary, the Autel Dragonfish is an impressive and capable drone for specialized commercial users, but is expensive and complex overkill for casual pilots. It shines for industrial inspection, surveying and public safety applications that can benefit from its robust performance and sensing capabilities

2.Parrot Disco

The Parrot Disco is a lightweight fixed-wing drone built for easy and stunt-free recreational flying. With its foam body and modular design, the Disco can withstand crashes and is easy to repair. It reaches speeds up to 50 mph, offering a fun flying experience while capturing stable 1080p video. The Disco has an impressive 45-minute flight time and includes a dedicated Skycontroller 2 remote controller.

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable foam construction
• Impressive 45-minute flight time
• Easy to control with dedicated remote controller
• Simple takeoff and landing capabilities
• Good safety features like automatic return-to-home

Cons:

• 1080p camera lacks resolution of more expensive drones
• Limited 2km transmission range
• Not capable of advanced aerial photography
• Unable to hover in place like multirotor drones
• Minimal autonomous flight modes and sensors
• Mostly suited for recreational/hobbyist use

In summary, the Disco is an affordable fixed-wing drone focused on delivering an enjoyable and easy flying experience for beginners and hobbyists. It excels more as a model aircraft than professional photography/videography drone.

3.Airbus Vahana

The Airbus Vahana is an experimental electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for urban air mobility. This self-piloted drone features tilt-rotors that transition to fixed wings once airborne, combining VTOL versatility with efficient forward flight. The goal is transportation of passengers and cargo. Vahana aims to make short city-to-city hops faster and cheaper than ground transportation.

Pros:

• Vertical takeoff and landing from urban locations
• Fast and efficient fixed-wing forward flight
• Designed to be self-piloting and autonomous
• Electric propulsion is quiet and emission-free
• Estimated top speed of 150 mph

Cons:

• Still in early concept and testing stages
• Significant regulatory hurdles for mainstream approval
• Short 20-40 mile operational range limits applications
• Capacity limited to single passenger currently
• Would require extensive urban infrastructure network
• High development costs involved

While innovative, the Vahana has major challenges to overcome before becoming a practical transportation solution. But its development advances urban air mobility technology and sustainable electric aviation.

4.Parrot Swing

The Parrot Swing is a mini fixed-wing drone built for fun and easy flying. Weighing just over 1 pound, it fits in the palm of your hand but can still reach speeds up to 34 mph. The Swing has an HD camera to capture video while flying via app or Bluetooth controller. It also has auto takeoff and landing features using its altitude and pressure sensors.

Pros:

• Ultra portable and lightweight
• Easy to fly with auto takeoff/landing
• Fun and fast for its size
• Built-in HD camera captures video
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Short 100-200m range limit
• Camera quality not great in low light
• Limited to only 10 mins of flight time
• Not capable of advanced drone features
• More toy-grade than prosumer drone

The Swing is designed for casual, worry-free flying and making mid-air videos. While it lacks advanced drone capabilities, its size, ease of use and low price make it a fun entry-level fixed wing model. Just don’t expect professional photography/videography results.

5.WingrtraOne

The WingtraOne is a professional vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed specifically for aerial surveying, mapping and data collection applications. With its unique hybrid design and high-precision camera system, the WingtraOne enables efficient data capture across large areas.

Pros:

• Vertical take-off and landing capability allows launch/recovery from confined spaces
• Transitions to fixed-wing flight for longer range and endurance
• Covers up to 1.5 sq km on a single 20 minute flight
• Survey-grade 42MP camera captures highly detailed aerial imagery
• Automated flight planning optimized for photogrammetry
• Durable carbon fiber construction withstands tough field use
• Sealed enclosure allows flight in light rain or snow
• Highly stable platform for accurate and consistent image capture

Cons:

• Very high cost of $22,000+ prices out casual users
• Large and heavy airframe requires 2 people for launch/recovery
• Long processing time required to stitch and process captured imagery
• Limited safety features compared to consumer drones
• WingtraPilot software requires training and experience to master
• Manual control/FPV flight not possible with automated mapping focus

6.Sonicmodell AR Wing Pro

The Sonicmodell AR Wing Pro is a mid-range fixed-wing drone designed for aerial photography and videography applications. It comes equipped with a 4K camera stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal, capable of capturing high-resolution photos and steady video footage. The AR Wing Pro has a flight time of around 30 minutes and a control range up to 1km. It’s made of tough EPO foam able to withstand crashes and harsh conditions. The AR Wing Pro also features GPS-assisted autopilot flight modes.

Pros:

• 4K camera captures detailed aerial photos/video
• 30 minute flight time
• 1km control range
• Durable EPO foam construction
• GPS-assisted autopilot features

Cons:

• Stillexpensive for hobbyist use
• Lower resolution than high-end drones
• Missing advanced sensors and redundancy
• Limited support and software ecosystem
• Foam body can’t protect gimbal in crashes

While not a professional mapping drone, the Sonicmodell AR Wing Pro provides a nice middle ground for semi-pro aerial photography at a more affordable price point than enterprise fixed-wing UAVs.

7.Atom RC Fixed Wing Dolphin

The Atom RC Fixed Wing Dolphin is a budget-friendly foam fixed-wing drone made for beginners getting into the hobby. It comes equipped with a basic 720p camera to capture video while flying. The Dolphin has an easy hand-launch takeoff and includes stabilization technology to make flying straightforward for new pilots. With a flight time around 45 minutes, it provides a decent amount of airtime for training and casual flights.

Pros:

• Inexpensive price point
• Long 45 minute flight time
• Easy hand-launch takeoff
• Stabilization tech for beginner pilots
• Durable EPO foam body

Cons:

• Low resolution 720p camera
• Very short control range
• No advanced autopilot features
• Can’t handle windy conditions that well
• Toy-grade model not meant for pros

While the Dolphin lacks features for professional use, its affordable price and focus on beginner-friendly flying make it a solid choice for getting started with fixed-wing drones. Just don’t expect much in terms of aerial photography capabilities.

8.The EBeeX 

The senseFly EBee X is a professional fixed-wing mapping drone designed for surveying and data collection across large areas. It builds on the proven capabilities of the senseFly EBee line with enhancements like a longer wingspan and higher resolution S.O.D.A. camera. The EBee X can capture highly detailed aerial images up to 24MP in resolution while covering over 10 sq km per flight. With a flight time up to 55 minutes and control range of 10 km, the EBee X maximizes efficiency for enterprises needing highly accurate aerial insights. Its rugged carbon fiber airframe withstands tough conditions and terrain. Autonomous flight planning and data processing features streamline professional workflows.

Pros:

• Up to 55 minutes of flight time
• 24MP high resolution camera
• Coverage of over 10 sq km per flight
• Rugged and foldable carbon fiber frame
• Automated flight planning and mapping

Cons:

• Very high cost for commercial use
• Fixed wing less agile than drones
• Requires training and certification
• Overkill for hobbyist and consumer use
• Large size when unfolded

The EBee X from senseFly sets the standard for long-endurance fixed-wing mapping drones, providing robust data collection across vast areas.

9.P51 Mustang

The P51 Mustang is a remote control plane modeled after the iconic WWII fighter aircraft. It is designed and manufactured by various RC hobby brands as a recreation of the P-51’s distinctive shape and deco paintjob. These lightweight foam models allow RC pilots to fly their own P51 replica for stunts and maneuvers. While not an actual drone with camera or advanced tech, the P51 RC plane can reach speeds over 100 mph with a small gas engine or fast electric motor powering it. With its glider-like slope wings, the P51 is an aerobatic thrill for confident RC pilots up for the challenge of controlling this unique replica at high speeds.

Pros:

• Iconic P51 Mustang appearance and styling
• Capable of impressive high speed flying
• Aerobatic stunt performance potential

Cons:

• Challenging for new RC pilots to control
• No camera or advanced drone technology
• Short 10-20 minute flight times
• Risk of crashing at high speeds
• Only for hobby/recreational use

Overall the P51 Mustang RC plane is a fun and unique model aircraft that offers experienced RC enthusiasts a chance to fly an incredibly cool replica of the legendary fighter jet. Just don’t expect drone-like features in this stripped down speed machine.

Final words about Best Fixed Wing Drones

Advanced fixed-wing UAVs like these are bringing autonomous, efficient long range flight within reach for commercial use cases in 2024 and beyond. As the technology continues improving, fixed wing drones promise to become indispensable for aerial data collection, especially across larger areas. With their capabilities matched by dropping costs, these drones will take to the skies in greater numbers than ever this year across industries like agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and more.

Know more about the Best Fixed Wing Drones, please check the following video out:

FAQs about Best Fixed Wing Drones

What are the advantages of fixed wing drones?

They have longer flight times than quadcopters/multirotors.More efficient for covering large areas due to forward flight.Higher speeds and less power consumption while airborne.Can carry different payload types (sensors, cameras, etc.)

What are the disadvantages of fixed wing drones?

Require space for takeoff and landing like a runway.Not as maneuverable and unable to hover in place.Generally need more specialized piloting skills.Payloads more limited by weight than on quadcopters

What are the main use cases for fixed wing UAVs?

Aerial surveying and mapping.Agricultural mapping and scouting.Environmental research and conservation.Public safety and emergency response.Industrial inspections of infrastructure.Military and defense reconnaissance

What sensors and payloads can you equip on fixed wing drones?

RGB, multispectral, thermal cameras.Lidar sensors.Atmospheric sampling equipment.Wireless communication relay.Drop mechanisms for items like life jackets

How long can fixed wing UAVs fly compared to quadcopters?

1-2 hours typically for consumer/prosumer model.Up to 12+ hours for high-end military and commercial drones

What is vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) for fixed wing UAVs?

Hybrid system allows fixed wing drones to takeoff and land vertically.Combines benefits of fixed and multirotor wings.Useful where runway space is limited