Common Types of Rotary-Wing Drones and How They Work

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are a quickly advancing technology, finding use in applications ranging from hobbyist projects to military operations. While many consumers are familiar with the small drones that may be purchased from a retail store for private use, drones can widely vary in their size and construction to accommodate a number of needs. Rotary-wing UAVs are quite popular, and they come in types like monocopters, single-rotor UAVs, twin-rotor UAVS, and multi-rotor UAVs. In this blog, we will discuss each rotary wing subcategory in brief detail, allowing you to be more familiar with the common options on the market.

Monocopters, often referred to as unmanned gyrocopters, are simplistic UAVs where a single rotor is used to produce lift as the entire frame spins around without an anti-torque device. Due to this design, monocopters are primarily used by individuals who are interested in drones as a DIY hobby. As these rotorcraft are devoid of anti-torque devices, they can be fairly difficult to control at times. 

Single-rotor UAVs, or unicopters, are aircraft that have a somewhat similar appearance to helicopters while featuring a single main spinning rotor and anti-torque device. With these assemblies, the UAV can both create lift and enact control. While less stable than other options as a result of their low rotor count, single-rotor drones are actually known for being more efficient. If you are interested in such a UAV, be sure to remember that they can vary in terms of their control system. 

With twin-rotor UAVs, two large rotors enact contra-rotation to generate the lift and control necessary for flight. As the two rotor sets spin in opposite directions, the UAV can stabilize itself without the need of an anti-torque device. Twin-rotor UAVs come in various subtypes, those of which are tandem rotor UAVs, transverse rotor UAVs, intermeshing rotor UAVs, and coaxial rotor UAVs. Due to their complexity, twin-rotor UAVs do face the potential issue of malfunctions and high-cost maintenance, making it important to prepare for such possibilities.

As the final category of rotary-wing drones, multi-rotor UAVs are those with three or more contra-rotating rotors that are fixed pitch. As all blade sets spin in different directions based on the total number of rotors, these aircraft do not need any sort of anti-torque device for flight. Such UAVs are typically separated by the amount of rotors that they feature, tricopters, quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters all being common options.

As compared to rotary-wing UAVs, fixed-wing UAVs are those without rotors, instead relying on rigid wing structures and thrust to create lift. Operating in a much different way, it is crucial that one considers their needs before making a purchase. If you are in the market for a steady drone that can take photos, survey land, and perform other similar controlled tasks, you may want a rotary-wing UAV for their ability to hover. Meanwhile, if you are more interested in hobbies like drone racing, a fixed-wing option may be best. Regardless of your choice, ASAP Parts Services is always here to supply you with everything you require while ensuring competitive pricing and rapid lead times.

On our database, customers can find countless items that have been sourced from leading manufacturers that we trust, all of which are ready for purchase at any time. If you find items of interest, be sure to fill out and submit an RFQ form at your earliest convenience, and a member of our staff will reach out in 15 minutes or less to provide a customized solution based on your needs. Get started today and see why so many customers choose to steadily rely on ASAP Parts Services for all their operational needs.