Rating of the most expensive quadcopters for 2022

The 21st century now and then “throws” technical innovations into our lives. Some of them at first seem like something from the realm of science fiction, but over time they become familiar and no longer cause initial amazement and delight. However, their usefulness is not diminished. Quadcopters have become one of these recent innovations.

How it all began

The creation of unmanned aerial vehicles, namely, quadrocopters, engineers and scientists have been concerned since the beginning of the last century. The very first “four-rotor helicopter”, which is how the name is translated from English, assembled by the Russian-American aircraft designer Georgy Botezat, took to the air back in 1922. Its weight was more than one and a half tons, it was able to carry three passengers. This device has made more than a hundred flights and can rightly be considered the progenitor of modern drones. However, work in this area ceased until the middle of the last century, and after the creation of several prototypes, they stalled again. The most serious problem was considered too complicated transmission, through which the rotation of the engine was transmitted to the propellers.

A triumphant return to the creation of quadrocopters occurred with the advent of the new century. Light unmanned aerial vehicles have become widely used in photo and video shooting. They are independently created by fans of aeromodelling. Toy manufacturers have also not stood aside from the fashion trend and have released a number of quadcopters for children controlled by radio waves or other means. Some firms use this technique to deliver goods.

Military experts also became interested in these developments, since unmanned aerial vehicles provide an opportunity for reconnaissance operations, as well as sabotage and attacks on selected targets on the side of the enemy, without the risk of human casualties.

Types of quadrocopters

The essence of the name reflects the presence of four screws in the device, but their number may be different.Quadcopters are part of a large family of multicopters - unmanned devices. Devices with two propellers are called bicopters, those with three propellers are called tricopters, and those with eight propellers are called octocopters. The Y6 type aircraft has six propellers, and the VTail type drone has four motors, of which two rear ones are located at an angle, which provides the device with a high payload.

The main elements that make up a quadrocopter:

• the frame is made of lightweight but durable materials and serves to carry the remaining elements;
• electronic speed controller for speed control;
• engines, as a rule, operating due to neodymium magnets, they work in pairs: half spins in one direction, half in the other, due to which the stability of the aircraft in the air is ensured;
• propellers;
• flight controller loaded with special software;
• a course camera that allows shooting;
• an analog or digital video transmitter that receives signals from a camera and transmits them to a connected receiving device;
• antennas that serve not only to transmit signals, but also convert electromagnetic radiation into oscillating electrical energy and vice versa;
• a receiver through which signals are received from the control panel and all systems of the apparatus are adjusted;
• a battery that supplies the motors with the energy they need.

Quadcopters are divided into two types of control: autonomous and remote-controlled, or unmanned. They also differ in their purpose. Main types:

• toy;
• shooting;
• racing.

Toy quadcopters are inexpensive devices that have an unreliable brushed motor and are equipped with three or four propellers. They are useful not only as an educational toy for children. The control of such a primitive apparatus can give an idea of ​​how interesting this process is, and whether it is worth investing in the acquisition of a full-fledged aircraft.

Photo and video quadcopters are the most popular and widely known type. A camera is installed on them, rendered so as not to interfere with the operation of the screws, and the footage is transmitted to a phone or tablet. These devices are amateur and professional. The first are the dji phantom models, the second are the dji inspire. Their speed does not exceed 70 km/h. Expensive models are equipped with a number of sensors and various intelligent modes that allow you to get the best shooting result. Such sensors can be accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, optical flow sensor, infrared sensor, sonar or GPS module. Management is carried out in semi-automatic mode.

Competitions held between owners of quadcopter racing models are gaining popularity every year. For them, expensive models with powerful motors are used, which provide the vehicles with a high speed of up to 200 km / h and excellent maneuverability. Such mechanisms work with the help of brushless motors on neodymium magnets. There are also miniature versions of racing quadcopters, which differ from full-fledged cars only in toy sizes. To control these devices, a special helmet and remote control devices are required.The control itself can be carried out both in semi-automatic and in manual mode.

In order to choose the right quadcopter, it is necessary, first of all, to determine its purpose and main tasks, based on which it is necessary to select suitable models. The size of the budget allocated for this purchase is also important.

Where could I buy

Such a popular technique as a quadrocopter is offered by many companies. Inexpensive primitive machines can be found in most toy stores. More serious equipment is offered by retail chains that sell computer and household appliances - DNS, Citylink, as well as large online stores such as Ozone and others.

A number of interesting models can be found on the specialized sites RG-Go.ru, Giromir.ru, RC-Today.ru, which offer an extensive range from inexpensive amateur to professional, costing more than half a million rubles.
You can buy a quadrocopter both in real stores and via the Internet, or buy a used device on the Avito or Yula website.

The best option in terms of reliability is a personal purchase, which will allow you to immediately check the device for serviceability and receive a completed warranty card for it. Buying over the Internet, especially expensive models, has a number of risks. This is fraud, when instead of the selected model the seller sends a cheaper one or does not send anything, and problems with packaging or issuing a guarantee, and the risk of damage to equipment during transportation to its destination. Buying used equipment is also associated with a number of risks.It may have hidden damage caused by improper use, or a factory defect, which is why the previous owner decided to get rid of it. The lack of a guarantee can also be attributed to the disadvantages of this method of purchase.

Top Producers

Currently, a large number of companies both in our country and abroad are engaged in the production of quadrocopters. Among the best foreign companies are the following:

• 3D Robotics (3DR) is a US manufacturer that produces a wide range of aircraft from simple amateur to the most complex professional. The most popular model is 3DR IRIS+.
• Aeryon Systems is an enterprise that, in addition to civilian drones, also produces military and commercial equipment. Their most famous models are SkyRanger and Scout.
• Align is a Taiwanese company that has existed for more than 35 years, which added quadcopters to its range of various equipment in 2013. The most popular device is Align 480L.
• Blade is a subsidiary of the American company Horizon Hobby, which produces various radio-controlled models. The devices of the QX, QX2, QX3 and other series are in demand.
• Cheerson is a Chinese company that produces budget drones ranging from $19 to $50. Their models are very popular among beginners, the Cheerson CX-10, Cheerson CX-20 and Cheerson CX-30 are in demand.
• DJI Innovations is one of the leaders in the production of drones for both amateurs and professionals. Their products combine the latest technology, ease of use and attractive design. The Phantom 2 Vision+ is considered one of the best aerial photography equipment available.
• Draganfly is a Canadian-based company that manufactures video equipment with the latest technology. Draganflyer X6 is recognized as the best of their models.
• Ehang is a company headquartered in China, with a core team of experts drawn from world-renowned companies such as Microsoft, Lenovo and Foxconn. This ensures the production of high-tech aircraft equipped with a variety of redundant systems and algorithms that reduce the risk of damage due to operator errors. Ease and ease of control distinguish one of their drones - Ghostdrone 2.0. The commercial model Falcon B can be controlled by just one operator, using a regular smartphone for this.
• Estes is a toy manufacturer based in the USA. Among the radio-controlled models produced by this company, the Proto-X quadrocopter is in special demand.
• Hubsan is another Chinese company that produces relatively inexpensive and high-quality models of unmanned vehicles. Buyers pay increased attention to the SpyHawk and X4 models. Their range also includes H500 FPV series racing models and toys. A large number of sold spare parts for drones made this company even more popular.
• Idea-Fly is a Chinese manufacturer that has managed to out-compete competitors with such successful quadcopters as the Storm-800, Apollo and the IFly series.
• Invictus Technical Solutions is a US-based firm that not only manufactures vehicles for civil use, but also provides professional aerial photography services.
• JJRC is one of the youngest firms that has recently appeared on the drone market, aggressively promoting its devices on the market, the brand of which is identical to the name.
• MikroKopter is a subdivision of the German equipment manufacturer HiSystems GmbH, which manufactures drones for aerial photography.
• Nine Eagles is one of the first Chinese companies to start producing quadcopters. The combination of accumulated experience and superior technology allows us to produce reliable aircraft. The Galaxy Visitor series is in the greatest demand.
• Parrot is a French company well known to drone enthusiasts as one of the leaders in the field. The most popular model is Parrot AR.Drone 2.0.
• Sky Hero is a company that recently appeared on the market, producing not only quadcopters and hexacopters, but also frames for them used in production by other companies.
• Syma Toys is a Chinese company that has long been known for radio-controlled helicopters, to which, in recent years, quadcopters of their own design have been added. They produce both relatively simple budget models and expensive ones equipped with modern DJI Phantom technology.
• Turbo Ace is a US company that manufactures professional aircraft. Their lineup includes both quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters. The products of this company are one of the most expensive.
• UDI is a Chinese company that gained fame thanks to the release of radio-controlled helicopters, and recently expanded its range with quadcopters. It produces budget models that are accessible to most amateurs and beginners. Their flagship UDI U818A is very popular.
• Uvify is a firm headquartered in San Francisco. A distinctive feature of its devices is that they can be used immediately after purchase, as they are sold assembled and ready to fly.From a number of analogues, the IFO model stands out - a device that is used to create light shows.
• Walkera is a well-known Chinese manufacturer of aerial photography drones. The most popular models are Tali H500, QR Y100 and QR X350 Pro. The reliable and beautiful racing model Rodeo 150 also enjoys attention.
• WLToys is a trademark under which quadcopters are produced by the Chinese company Shantou Chenghai Welei Toys Industrial Co. Their most popular device is the V959.
• Xaircraft is another Chinese manufacturer that has gained notoriety for its flagship X650 Pro.
• Yuneec is a well-known aviation company that, along with the production of manned aircraft, also produces drones, from amateur to professional. The most popular models are the Typhoon Q500, the Mantis-Q foldable drone, and the compact Breeze drone.

Russian manufacturers also produce a number of civilian unmanned vehicles. These are mainly private firms, as well as enterprises related to the military-industrial complex.

The following models of domestically produced drones are popular:

• LeTalo products are produced in small batches and are characterized by resistance to adverse weather conditions and high quality construction. Often successfully used in competitions;
• devices sold under the brand name "Lord of Heaven";
• equipment manufactured by the ARMAIR center, St. Petersburg, which has a wide range of applications, from agriculture to security. Bestseller - SuperScam X6M2;
• industrial devices of the brand "Geoscan", used mainly in geophysics and geodesy.Able to carry loads weighing up to 5 kg and reach speeds up to 50 km / h;
• goods of the Pilotage company;
• aircraft from the Kopter Express company, which produces autonomous drones with a flight range of up to 15 km. Can be additionally equipped with a weather station and a 4G modem;
• drones produced under the DRONESTROY brand, especially popular among hunters;
• unmanned complex "Phoenix", capable of conducting surveillance and aerial photography in conventional and infrared modes with the ability to digitally zoom in on an object by 150 times, as well as carry loads weighing up to 5 kilograms.

The best Russian quadcopters often win prizes at various exhibitions, but it is extremely difficult to find them on open sale. Nevertheless, they have a number of advantages over the products of foreign competitors, and first of all, this is taking into account the climatic conditions and temperature range characteristic of Russia when creating equipment.

Rating of the most expensive quadcopters

The equipment presented in this rating is divided into two categories: professional aircraft capable of performing a wide variety of complex tasks, and racing drones designed to participate in competitions.

Rating of the most expensive professional quadcopters

This list contains high-tech devices used in industry, high-end aerial photography and some other fields of activity.

DJI Matrice 210 RTK

The average price is 1,200,000 rubles.

This industrial device from one of the well-known manufacturers, suitable for use in construction, surveying and mapping for the purpose of control, monitoring, survey and design, is capable of climbing to a height of 500 meters at a speed of 5 m/s. The flight time is 23 minutes at a maximum speed of 23 m/s. The device has rich technological and software equipment, which includes automatic takeoff and landing, intelligent control over orientation in space, following the operator and returning to a given point, a warning sensor about approaching restricted areas or about the appearance of nearby aircraft. The drone can carry loads weighing no more than 1.72 kg. The control is carried out by means of radio communication, the maximum control range is 3.5 km. Device weight - 4420 gr.

• high build quality;
• thoughtful software with many functions;
• warning system about obstacles and dangers;
• the possibility of using a second, additional camera;
• the ability to control two operators;
• wind resistance up to 12 m/s;
• built-in navigation systems GLONASS and GPS;
• equipment with a number of sensors, including a stereo sensor, a magnetometer, an ultrasonic sensor, a barometer, a visual sensor
• positioning, infrared sensor;
• can move in stealth mode with lights off;
• it is possible to transfer data in encrypted form, which ensures their safety;
• convenient folding design.

• high price.

DJI Inspire 2

The average price is 1,042,990 rubles.

A powerful professional device, which is an updated version of DJI Inspire 1, which made a real revolution in the field of industrial drones. Can be in the air for 27 minutes without recharging. The maximum lifting height is 500 meters, the lifting speed is up to 6 m/s. Cruise speed is 26 m/s. The control is carried out by means of radio communication, the maximum range is 3.5 km. It is possible to equip the device with additional compatible cameras Zenmuse X4S, X5S, X7 in addition to the built-in camera. The software allows you to take off and land in automatic mode, avoid collision with obstacles thanks to built-in sensors, enable the mode of following the operator and returning to the takeoff point. Device weight - 3290 gr.

• able to perform many technical tasks;
• equipped with magnetometer, accelerometer, ultrasonic sensor, barometer, visual positioning sensor, infrared sensor, gyroscope;
• supports memory cards;
• equipped with a GPS navigation system and autopilot;
• broadcast mode support;
• transforming frame;
• light weight.

• high price.

Autel Robotics EVO II Dual 640T Rugged Bundle

The average price is 667,540 rubles.

The reliable Autel drone has an excellent radio control range of up to 5 km, which is much higher than more expensive analogues. The folding design makes it especially convenient to use, and the bright color of the case will not allow it to get lost against the background of the surrounding space.High-tech software allows you to take off and land in a fully automatic mode, return to the take-off point, as well as notify the operator when approaching restricted areas. The weight of the device is only 1192 gr.

• reliability and convenience of design;
• powerful video camera with the possibility of installing an additional camera;
• equipped with magnetometer, accelerometer, ultrasonic sensor, barometer, visual positioning sensor, gyroscope;
• has built-in navigation systems GLONASS and GPS;
• relatively high lifting speed in comparison with analogues - 8 m/s;
• light weight and compactness.

• no support for memory cards;
• a small amount of internal memory - 8 GB.

DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual gray

The average price is 285,990 rubles.

A professional four-engine drone is capable of both high-quality aerial photography and a number of other tasks related to industry, construction and agriculture. The maximum lifting height is 500 m, the rate of climb is 5 m/s. Equipped with the function of automatic takeoff and landing, the ability to program the route and fly around the set points, there is a first person view (FPV) function, you can program the return to the takeoff point. The maximum cruising speed is 20 m/s. It can lift a load weighing up to 200 g. The weight of the device is 899 g.

• equipped with magnetometer, visual positioning sensor, infrared sensor;
• maximum flight time - 31 minutes;
• has 64 GB of internal memory;
• equipped with GLONASS and GPS navigation systems;
• built-in warning system for approaching aircraft ADS-B;
• batteries have a heating function, which allows you to effectively use the device at low temperatures;
• it is possible to install additional equipment: searchlight, loudspeaker, flashing beacon;
• light weight and compact dimensions.

• equipped with only one built-in camera;
• no support for memory cards.

Walkera QR X800

The average price is 217,390 rubles.

The difference between this device and many other professional analogues is a fairly large carrying capacity: 3.9 kg, as well as the same rate of climb and descent, equal to 6 m/s. Unmanned aerial vehicles usually descend noticeably slower than they take off. Control over the radio channel is possible at a distance of up to 2 km, transmission of photo and video materials through it - 1 km. It is possible to transmit the collected information via a Wi-Fi channel, the range is no more than 400 m. It is equipped with a camera that can be remotely positioned along three axes.

• flight time without recharging - 60 minutes;
• recording in the first person (FPV) is possible;
• can be programmed to return to the takeoff point;
• two ways of transmitting information: by radio and Wi-Fi;
• it is possible to equip with additional cameras SONY RX100, Gopro H3, ILOOK;
• the package includes a GPS module, a spare set of propellers, a G-2D suspension;
• equipped with a magnetometer, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope;
• landing gear retracts in flight;
• supports remote control: DEVO-F12/E12;
• supports FatShark video glasses;
• there is support for memory cards.

• relatively low cruising speed of 10 m/s;
• there is no follow mode for the operator;
• relatively small range of radio control.

Rating of the most expensive racing quadcopters

This list contains high-speed drone models designed specifically for competitions.

Walkera Rodeo 150 RTF

The average price is 22,359 rubles.

The high-speed and highly maneuverable device weighing only 210 g is able to quickly cover a huge distance thanks to powerful WK-WS-17-002(CW/CCW) engines. Equipped with Devo-RX716 receiver. The flight time is about 8 minutes.

• equipped with a 600TVL video camera operating in the PAL/NTSC system;
• equipped with battery and charger;
• can function at temperatures from -10 to +40 degrees.

• not found.

CXHOBBY CX-91

The average price is 19,198 rubles.

The maximum speed of this device is 22.2 m / s, weight - 420 grams. Without recharging, it can stay in the air for 12 minutes. The control is carried out by radio channel, the maximum communication range is 300 m.

• equipped with a built-in video camera;
• high speed and maneuverability;
• the kit includes a monitor mount, charger, a set of spare screws, a screwdriver, a set of camera cords, instructions.

• there is no possibility of remote adjustment of the camera position;
• short radio range.

Hubsan H123D X4

The average price is 15,918 rubles.

This radio-controlled device is ideal for beginners who have just begun to master the world of unmanned aerial vehicles. The durable carbon fiber body reduces the risk of damage from mishandling.Equipped with powerful brushless motors, you can achieve high speed, and several flight modes, including the innovative Acro mode, will create a real show of loops and flips, the effect of which in the dark can be enhanced by the use of built-in lighting.

• small size allows the drone to be used indoors;
• equipped with a gyroscope;
• the ability to stay in the air up to 10 minutes;
• return to the starting point;
• takeoff and landing function is carried out with one button;
• speed - up to 25 m/s;
• supports memory cards from 4 to 32 GB.

• not found.

BETAFPV Meteor65

The average price is 9,140 rubles.

A bright drone weighing only 23 g is able to surprise with its speed and maneuverability. Made from impact resistant plastic. The time spent in the air without recharging is 4 minutes.

• simple but reliable design;
• equipped with a built-in camera;
• driven by a brushless motor;
• the kit includes two batteries, a tester charger, a carrying case, a set of spare propellers, a screwdriver.

• unstable to wind gusts due to too low weight.

MJX Bugs 8 Pro

The average price is 8,797 rubles.

This racing drone is memorable at first sight due to its unusual design and bright colors. Equipped with powerful brushless motors and Acro piloting mode, it can be as spectacular in the air as it is on the ground. Weight - 420 g.

• sold fully assembled;
• can stay in the air for 12 minutes;
• additional equipment FPV equipment is possible;
• stabilizes in space due to the presence of a six-axis gyroscope;
• control range - up to 500 m;
• speed - up to 60 km / h.

• does not have a camera;
• not strong enough construction.

Flight Permit

On the territory of the Russian Federation, according to the current legislation, all flights of unmanned aerial vehicles must take place in accordance with the permit procedure established by the Air Code of the Russian Federation. For flights conducted without obtaining permission to use the airspace, a fine may be imposed under Art. 11.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation in the amount of 5 thousand rubles for individuals to 500 thousand rubles for organizations. Officials found guilty of violating this article may be fined 50,000 rubles.

Flights are prohibited near a number of objects, which include military installations, places of detention, closed industries, airports and some others. Photo and video shooting, regardless of its purpose and the object being filmed, refers to aerial work, and for its implementation it is necessary to obtain permission from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as from the headquarters of the military district in which the object is located, and from the territorial unit FSB, where all the footage is subsequently transferred for study and declassification. Only after that they can be used for their intended purpose or made available to the public.

To obtain a flight permit, you must contact your local government in advance, indicating the date, time and route of the flight.

The capabilities of quadrocopters allow you to solve many problems or just enjoy the control of the device.Compliance with legal requirements and safety regulations will allow you to use them with maximum benefit, without any unpleasant consequences.