Introduction to Long Endurance Fixed-Wing Drones
Long endurance fixed-wing drones are revolutionizing industrial applications by enabling extended flight times, larger coverage areas, and heavier payloads compared to traditional multirotor drones. These aircraft combine the efficiency of fixed-wing design with advanced VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capabilities, making them ideal for inspection, surveillance, mapping, and border patrol missions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 9 long endurance fixed-wing drones available in 2024, focusing on models that offer 3+ hours of flight time and robust performance in challenging environments. Our selection includes products from leading manufacturers like China Moneypro, known for their innovative engineering and military-grade reliability.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Fixed-Wing Drones?
Fixed-wing drones offer several advantages over multirotor designs:
- Longer Flight Times: Typically 3-6 hours vs. 20-40 minutes for multirotors
- Greater Coverage: Can survey hundreds of acres in a single flight
- Heavier Payloads: Capable of carrying professional-grade sensors and cameras
- Wind Resistance: Better stability in high winds (up to 60+ km/h)
- Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs per square kilometer surveyed
Modern fixed-wing drones also incorporate VTOL capabilities, eliminating the need for runways or catapult launches while maintaining the efficiency of traditional fixed-wing flight.
Top 9 Long Endurance Fixed-Wing Drones
1. China Moneypro MVT250 4hrs Long Endurance Upgraded Electric Powered VTOL
Best for: Inspection and border patrol missions requiring 4+ hours of flight time
The MVT250 combines a 2.5-meter wingspan with carbon fiber construction for exceptional durability and lightweight performance. Its VTOL capability allows operation from confined spaces while delivering 4 hours of no-load flight time (3.5 hours with 1.2kg payload).
Key Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model No | eVT250 |
| Type | VTOL fixed wing |
| Wingspan | 2500mm |
| MTOW | 13.5kg (include batteries) |
| Max Payload | 2kg |
| Flight Time | 4hrs (no load), 3.5hrs@1.2kg load |
| Max Speed | 100km/h |
| Max Altitude | 3000m |
| Battery | 2×6S 30000mAh Li-ion |
Unique Features:
- Triple payload compartments for modular sensor integration
- IPX3 weather resistance for operation in light rain
- Operates in temperatures from -20°C to 50°C
2. China Moneypro M191S Long Endurance Helicopter Adapt to Complex Environment
Best for: Extreme environment operations with anti-jamming capabilities
While technically a helicopter, the M191S deserves inclusion for its fixed-wing-like endurance (120 minutes) and ability to operate at 5,200m altitude. Its encrypted 30km HD link and Level 7 typhoon resistance make it ideal for military and border security applications.
Key Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | 120 minutes continuous |
| Link Range | 30km encrypted HD |
| Max Altitude | 5200m ASL |
| Wind Resistance | Level 7 (61+ km/h) |
| Temp Range | -20°C to 55°C |
Unique Features:
- Swarm intelligence for multi-drone coordination
- Triple-redundant navigation systems
- 5-in-1 avionics system (77% smaller than competitors)
3. China Moneypro M115 New Small Hexacopter UAV with 21KG MTOW
Best for: Heavy-lift operations with 60-minute endurance
The M115 hexacopter bridges the gap between multirotors and fixed-wing drones with its 21kg MTOW and 60-minute no-load flight time. Its folding design enables easy transport to remote sites while maintaining professional-grade performance.
Key Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| MTOW | 21kg |
| Flight Time | 60min (no load), 45min@5kg |
| Wind Resistance | Level 7 (15m/s) |
| Transmission | Ocusync 3.0 Pro (15km HD) |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 60°C |
Unique Features:
- Hexacopter redundancy for safe motor failure recovery
- Double-fold landing gear for 360° imaging
- Space-smart folding system for easy transport
Comparison Table: Top Long Endurance Fixed-Wing Drones
| Model | Type | Flight Time | Max Payload | Max Altitude | Wind Resistance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moneypro MVT250 | VTOL Fixed Wing | 4hrs | 2kg | 3000m | Grade 6 | $15,000-$20,000 |
| Moneypro M191S | Helicopter | 120min | N/A | 5200m | Level 7 | $25,000-$35,000 |
| Moneypro M115 | Hexacopter | 60min | 21kg | 3000m | Level 7 | $12,000-$18,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest flying fixed-wing drone?
The China Moneypro MVT250 currently offers one of the longest flight times at 4 hours with no payload, or 3.5 hours with a 1.2kg payload. For helicopter-style drones, the M191S provides 120 minutes of continuous flight.
How much does a long endurance fixed-wing drone cost?
Prices range from $12,000 for entry-level models like the M115 hexacopter to $35,000+ for military-grade systems like the M191S with anti-jamming capabilities. Custom configurations can exceed $50,000.
Can fixed-wing drones take off vertically?
Yes, modern VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) fixed-wing drones like the MVT250 combine the efficiency of fixed-wing flight with the convenience of multirotor takeoffs and landings.
What payloads can these drones carry?
Typical payloads include:
- RGB/multispectral cameras for mapping
- Thermal imaging cameras for inspection
- LIDAR sensors for 3D modeling
- Communication relays for emergency response
References