A Fixed Wing UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a type of drone that has a rigid wing that remains fixed in position. Unlike quadcopters or other multirotor drones, fixed wing UAVs resemble airplanes in their design and flight characteristics.
Fixed wing UAVs are known for their efficiency in covering large distances due to their aerodynamic design. They can stay airborne for longer periods, carry heavier payloads, and are well-suited for mapping, surveillance, and agriculture applications.
Fixed wing UAVs are commonly used in fields such as agriculture for crop monitoring, spraying, and mapping; in search and rescue operations for providing aerial support; in surveying and mapping for creating detailed topographic maps; and in wildlife conservation for monitoring animal populations.
When flying a fixed wing UAV, it is essential to have enough space for takeoff and landing due to their runway dependency. Understanding the flight characteristics and coordinating turns smoothly is crucial for a successful flight. Additionally, regular maintenance and checking of the control surfaces are important for safe operation.