The basic definition of a drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle, an flying object without an onboard pilot.  Drones were originally built to be used in military applications that were deemed to dangerous for humans to be directly involved in.  Since their military inception the types of drones available and their applications have grown exponentially.  From massive military drones that cost thousands of dollars to a $30 toy drone that can be found even in a grocery store the options are endless.

The way drones are classified can be very confusing.  Sometimes they are simply grouped based on size and weight.  This classification is simply small (0-20lbs), medium (21-55lbs), large, larger, and largest which all fit under the weight limit of less than 1,320lbs.  The classifications go further depending on the intended use of the drone.  This division falls under target and decoy, reconnaissance, combat, logistics (carrying cargo), research and development, and finally civil and commercial drones.  The next level of classification is determined by the flight range and altitude of a drone’s capabilities.  Starting with hand-held (2,000ft, 2km) and close range (5,000ft, 10km) all the way up to HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) and drones that can be sent into orbit in space.

Hobbyist drones are broken down into four main groups.  They are Ready-to-Fly (RTF), Bind-and-Fly (BNF), Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF), and Bare Frame.  A RTF drone is the easiest to use, especially for a beginner, because it is ready to fly straight out of the box once it has been charged.  BNF drones are ones that do not come with their own controller, a controller has to be built or purchased separately to be compatible with the drone.  An ARF drone is a partial DIY drone kit.  It will require adding on some compatible options like a controller, different rotors, or a camera.  A Bare Frame drone is for an experienced drone engineer in that it is just the body frame of a drone without any internal electronics, control and flight systems, battery, rotors, or camera.

When is comes to drones today there are so many options.  The only real commonality between them is the fact that they are all a form of a vehicle that can fly without an on board pilot.  They come in all sizes, speeds, and price ranges.  They can be used for military operations, commercial business, government securities, professional film and photography, search and rescue, environmental conservation, competitive racing, entertainment, or even just some backyard fun.  The important thing is to have an idea of what your droning goals will be before looking into making a purchase.  Once a goal and drone has been determined the next thing to do is to properly acquaint yourself with any regulations and how to safely use your drone.

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