Fixed Wing Drone – 5 GREAT Options!

There’s a big difference between the way a multirotor and fixed wing drone fly.

Both are capable of being airborne obviously, but beyond that, their capabilities will vary depending on the design.

A number of different factors might influence your decision to buy a fixed wing drone.

We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 best fixed wing drones, along with some helpful information about these machines.

Good Aspects of Fixed Wing Drones to Consider

Crafts with fixed wings have a much higher level of energy efficiency than multirotor crafts.

Fixed wing drones have aerodynamics that help take the load off the batteries, allowing the craft to fly further and stay airborne for longer.

In addition, fixed wing craft tends to be much faster than multirotor craft. This makes them great drones for mapping and surveying large terrain stretches.

Because fixed wing craft can loop and roll, they can get stunt shots which would be impossible with a multirotor craft.

Rather than having multiple motors, a fixed wing craft will usually have just one motor that requires maintenance and replacement, so it will be more convenient.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fixed Wing Drone

Transmission Distance

The transmission distance affects how far the drone can fly before you need to bring it back.

Some advanced drones will have a “Return Home” feature, which allows the drone to automatically return to its home GPS coordinates if it loses the signal.

Longer transmission distances will allow you to survey and map large areas. They’re ideal for professional surveyors, mapmakers, and other people who need to look at large stretches of land.

Speed

The maximum and minimum speeds of the drone will make a difference.

Most fixed-wing drones won’t have the altitude hovering capability that quadcopters are renowned for. Which means for more in-depth study of the details you’ll need to shift to a lower speed.

When doing detailed work, you want a drone that can provide stability at low speeds.

The maximum speed of the drone will matter too. This is especially true if you want the drone for racing or recreational purposes.

Many of the best fixed wing drones can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, but more speed means it could be more costly.

FPV Compatibility

Some drones will have built-in cameras with FPV compatibility.

The quality of images captured will vary depending on the drone.

The best cameras can capture in 1080P HD and save to several different file formats.

If you’re mounting your own camera, you’ll want to make sure that the drone is compatible with your FPV equipment.

Some drones have only one camera mount, while others have three or four. If you’re going to be using multiple cameras, make sure the drone you pick is equipped for that.

Flight Experience

How much experience do you have with flying drones?

Different drones will be optimized for different levels of experience.

For instance, beginners will want drones that have convenient one-key takeoff and landing functions.

It’s also helpful to invest in drones with automatic stability functions and pilot assisting controls.

More intermediate and experienced drone fliers might want the challenge of complicated stunt capabilities and racing features. They might want the drone to do loops, barrel rolls, and sharp turns in midair.

Pricing

The amount you spend on your fixed wing drone will depend largely on how important it is for you.

Are you a professional videographer? If so, you’ll want to spend extra money for increased transmission features.

Are you just a casual user who wants to have fun with friends? In this case, a more budget-friendly drone might be best for you.

1. Parrot Disco FPV Fixed Wing

Taking maximum advantage of its fixed wing drone configuration the Parrot Disco FPV is capable of 50 miles per hour speeds.

With the Parrot Skycontroller 2, you can have an extended flight range up to 1.2 miles.

Thanks to the Parrot Cockpitglasses, you can have an immersive flight experience.

Parrot Discos give some of the most competitive long range fixed wing drone flights on the market, easily putting this on the list for the best fixed wing drone.

This fixed wing drone with camera can capture in 1080P HD. You can take photos in an impressive 14 megapixels, even in wide-angle.

The captures can be saved as DNG, JPEG, and RAW formats.

The high-capacity battery provides up to 45 minutes of flight time.

The drone is also easy to fly with one-key landing and takeoff, an anti-stall system, and assisted piloting controls.

The Return Home GPS function allows the drone to come back if the battery becomes low or it flies out of range.

The goggles for this fixed wing FPV drone are compatible with 4.7 to 5.2-inch smartphone screens.

Pros:

• Up to 45 minutes of flight time
• Speeds of up to 50 mph
• Parrot Skycontroller 2 provides an extended range of 1.2 miles
• Separately available FPV Goggles provide immersive flight experience
• Built-in camera shoots in 1080P HD format and saves to DNG, JPEG, and RAW formats
• Easy LINK flight for beginners LINK with one-key landing and takeoff
• Return Home GPS function brings the drone back if the battery becomes low or it flies out of range

Cons:

• Most expensive drone on the list
• May have too many extra features to be useful for the casual user

“Best Fixed Wing Drone for Professional Users”

OOR: 4.3

2. Crazepony FPV Wing Sonicmodell

This VTOL fixed wing drone has a stable flying performance, easy launch capabilities, and multiple camera mounts.

It easily makes the list for the best fixed wing drone, especially with its compatibility with all FPV cameras in the market.

The ultra-light fixed wing UAV kit includes a detachable wing and wingtip.

Another good thing is the entire kit is portable and can be easily taken outdoors for FPV flying.

The drone’s total wingspan is 900 millimeters, with a length of 482 millimeters that allows for powerful elevating force in VTOL fixed wing drone flight.

The drone’s durability is another great feature.

The design includes a carbon fiber spar that’s pre-built in, along with a black EPP molded wing.

This allows the drone to be light, flexible, and durable, with a high level of crash resistance so beginners should not be so nervous.

That’s not all. A spacious equipment bay allows you to use many more FPV gear.

Also, there are 2 skids included for both hand launching and landing.

An air outlet and inlet are available to help cool the FPV gear.

Pros:

• Durable design with EPP molded wing and carbon fiber spar
• Spacious equipment bay is compatible with multiple types of FPV gear
• 2 included skids allow hand launching and landing
• Air outlet and inlet help cool FPV gear
• Detachable wing and wingtip make the drone highly portable

Cons:

• Doesn’t include convenience features like Return Home
• Cannot reach speeds of other competing drones

“Fixed Wing Drone With Helpful Extras “

OOR: 3.3

3. Parrots Swing + Flypad

The Parrot Swing fixed wing drone is an affordable option for the best fixed wing drone yet with interesting features.

It’s ideal for people on a budget and recreational fliers, but it won’t hold up to professional drones and racing performances.

One impressive feature is the dual flight mode, which allows the VTOL fixed wing drone to fly as either a quadrocopter or plane – two in one.

You can perform a lot of aerial acrobatics stunts with it and impress onlookers.

In plane mode, this fixed wing UAV can reach up to 19 miles per hour.

There are unique acrobatics features to this drone like barrel rolls, loops, and 180 degree turns.

Also included is the Parrot Flypad, which increases piloting range and can be used with or without a smartphone.

Pros:

• Most affordable option for beginners and casual users
• Speeds of up to 19 miles per hour in plane mode
• Aerial acrobatics stunts
• Included flypad can be used with or without a smartphone
• Can be used as a plane or quadcopter

Cons:

• Doesn’t include convenience features like Return Home
• Not as fast as other drones on the list
• Somewhat short transmission distance

“Most Affordable Fixed Wing Drone”

OOR: 4

4. Crazepony ZOHD Dart Sweepforward Fixed Wing Drone

This fixed wing UAV is a classical and practical design with a high efficiency airfoil, helping to create powerful elevating force for VTOL fixed wing drone takeoff.

The flying speed of this drone can range from 9 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour.

Also, the fixed wing drone has a spacious hatch that includes an air inlet and outlet where you can use any FPV gear on the market. It’s a great fixed wing mapping drone thanks to its FPV compatibility.

Another positive thing is the assembly is user-friendly. You can take the fixed wing UAV out of the box and have it flying within a few seconds.

The structure includes a detachable wing and tail wing, which can be easily disassembled to be carried to different places.

Moreover, the sweepforward wing design helps avoid stalling during fixed wing drone mapping.

Also, the built-in gyro capabilities help make the flight stable and easily controlled.

This fixed wing drone for sale surely comes with a durable design, with EPP molding on the fixed wing UAV that’s enhanced by the included carbon fiber spars.

The durability provides a great deal of crash resistance.

A plastic cover protects the bottom of the fuselage from scratches during landing, making this a great VTOL fixed wing drone.

The fixed wing UAV for sale includes a 12 month warranty and customer service available 24 hours a day.

Pros:

• Customer support available 24 hours with a 12 month warranty included
• Plastic cover protects the fuselage against scratches
• Durable construction provides crash resistance
• Most user-friendly assembly, with the capability to fly within a few seconds
• Flight speed ranges from 9 mph to 50 mph
• Compatible with all FPV gear on the market

Cons:

• Doesn’t include Return Home convenience features
• May have rough landings
• Not an ideal drone for beginners

“Classic Fixed Wing Drone With Useful Features”

OOR: 3

5. E-flite Opterra 2m Wing

This fixed wing drone boasts of a lightweight construction, efficient aerodynamics, and a long wingspan that provide a range of capabilities from soaring to sport acrobatics.

The design includes vortex generators that help enhance control and provide stability even with slow speeds.

Also, the airframe is carbon reinforced while the inside consists of a Z-foam material that maintains rigidity and strength while keeping weight to a minimum.

The plug-in wing panels and winglets can be easily removed, with assembly and disassembly completed in just minutes.

The fixed wing drone comes in a box that functions as a carrying case, including a useful handle.

Moreover this fixed wing drone model includes an artificial stabilization receiver that helps smooth effects of turbulence and wind. This allows for precision and stability, the hallmarks of a perfect aircraft.

Also, included in the receiver is an optional SAFE technology, which can be turned on and off through a flip switch.

It is good to know that the large top hatch will fit a variety of different battery sizes and FPV equipment.

It also has the option to add up to 3 camera mounting stations compatible with GoPro Hero 3 and 4 so you can shoot in FPV HD.

The top class brushless motor provides the power required to carry camera loads or perform complex sport aerobics in midair.

Pros:

• Included artificial stabilization receiver smoothes wind and turbulence effects for precision and stability
• Optional SAFE technology integrated with the receiver
• Large top hatch fits a number of different batteries and FPV equipment
• Compatible with GoPro Hero 3 and 4
• Capable of performing complex sport aerobics
• Particularly stable in slow speeds

Cons:

• Requires somewhat more assembly than other models
• Doesn’t include Return Home convenience features
• Not compatible with all GoPro systems

“Best Fixed Wing Drone for Stable Flight”

OOR: 3.3

Final Thoughts on the Best Fixed Wing Drone

When you’re picking your fixed wing drone, the best fixed wing drone for you will obviously vary depending on your needs.

Consider your level of flight experience, what you’re using the drone for, and what additional equipment you might be using.

These 5 great options can accommodate a variety of different purposes, but other classic options like the DJI Phantom, DJI Mavic, or Mavic Pro might also suit your tastes.

It all depends on what you prefer for your fixed wing drone.