Fixed-Wing Or VTOL Drone? 2-in-1 Option is Best

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

While the drone industry is becoming more and more specialized according to specific mission, versatility still has considerable advantages. A new 2-in-1 drone demonstrates high versatility, offering various operational options for defense and security uses. 

A configuration of a drone largely limits its utility across a variety of use cases. Fixed wing UAV are typically faster, cover greater ranges, and can fly more efficiently than VTOL drones with rotors. But they require wide open air space, and must be launched and landed on the UAV equivalent of a runway.

The Vector (fixed) /Scorpion (VTOL), built by Quantum-Systems, can be configured as a small fixed-wing UAV or a vertical take-off and landing tricopter. 

In fixed wing mode the UAV called Vector and has a flight time of 2 hours and a cruise speed of 29-39 kn. In VTOL mode the UAV is called Scorpion and can fly for 45 minutes at speeds ranging from 0-29 kn. Each mode is available with multiple camera configurations, as reported by zdnet.com. 

A task like infrastructure inspection, where close examination of critical infrastructure may require a drone that can hover in place, will be better suited to a VTOL UAV. Many high altitude surveillance applications, which can require long flight times over large distances, can only be handled by fixed wing UAV. But for defense users, such as units that may move from well established bases to roving convoys, there could be great utility in being able to convert a UAV between flying configurations. 

Both configurations are optimized for use in adverse conditions with extreme temperatures.

The centerpiece houses gimbal, autopilot and data link. The larger propellers and motors of Scorpion make it a state of the art tri-copter with live video data link for various mission scenarios.

As a tri-copter the AUV is ideal for smaller-scale and stationary use, for example in densely built-up areas. It can cover a wide range of applications, according to the company website.

Having a drone that can conduct long-distance surveillance or deploy quickly to check out an urban environment is attractive.