Multicopter (formerly Quadrocopter)

Quadrocopters and multicopters for unique fun in the air

The unmanned aerial vehicles bring a lot of fun for the whole family and are at the same time able to capture breathtaking pictures and videos from a bird's eye view: We are talking about so-called quadro- and multicopters, which you can find in many different variants in this category of our shop. These small aircraft are mainly used for aerial photography. Colloquially, they are also called drones. This name actually comes from military aviation, where a drone is understood to be an unarmed training target.

A basic distinction is made between simple models, which are well suited for private use and for beginners, and high-quality devices with comprehensive equipment, which are mainly intended for business use. Drones are available with or without an integrated camera. If you are planning to buy a quadrocopter, there are some details you should pay attention to. The range is large and it is usually not easy for beginners to find a suitable model. With the area of application, you can already narrow down the selection. Other aspects such as battery life, weight and camera resolution should also be taken into account. Furthermore, there are some legal requirements that you should adhere to when using a multicopter. The small aircraft may not always be used everywhere.

Take a closer look at our range of quadro and multicopters in this category and read on in the section below if you would like to learn more about the aircraft or are not yet sure how to find a model to suit your requirements. There we explain what a drone is made of, how it is flown, what different variants there are and what legal requirements you should be aware of when flying.

What is a quadro-/multicopter?

A so-called quadrocopter is a compact aircraft that is powered by four downward-pointing propellers. The rotors can be tilted to create propulsion. Multicopters use more than four rotors. The modern models are mainly used as camera mounts to capture unique images from the air. But drones are also used by the police, military and many other sectors.

What are the components of a drone?

Drones usually consist of the following elements:

• Chassis: This is where all the other components are attached
• Rotors: Depending on the model, four or more tiltable propellers that give the aircraft its lift and influence the direction of flight
• Remote control: This is how you influence the direction and altitude of the flight
• Control unit: It receives the signal from the remote control and converts it into commands that it passes on to the rotors
• Battery: It stores the energy the aircraft needs to stay in the air
• Landing gear: The landing legs help the aircraft to land and take off smoothly

Many drones are also equipped with a camera.

How is a drone flown?

Drones can be easily controlled via remote control. These often have two control sticks. The left stick is used to adjust the altitude, while the other is used to move the aircraft forward, backward, left and right. It is advisable to practise your first flight attempts on a windless day in an open area.

How can the individual models be distinguished from each other?

Basically, the quadrocopter models can be differentiated according to their area of application:

• Entry models for private use, sports and hobbies
• Professional devices for commercial or professional use
• FPV devices for recordings from a first-person perspective
• Race copters for particularly high speeds

For people who only want to fly with the drone as a hobby, the entry-level models are sufficient, while professional photographers and videographers as well as the police and military choose the professional devices. FPV quadrocopters are equipped with cameras that view the surroundings using First Person View - that is, from the first person perspective. The camera records everything as a pilot in the drone would perceive the surroundings. The Race Copters are designed for high speeds. They are therefore made of very light but robust materials. This allows you to fly races against other Race Copter pilots.

Beginner versus professional models: advantages and disadvantages at a glance

The following reasons make it worthwhile to purchase a drone for professionals:

• Very high image quality of the cameras
• 4K recordings feasible
• GPS, Bluetooth and pressure sensors on board
• Practical additional functions such as automatic return to the starting point and ground warning
• Very good performance
• High RPM and speed
• Precise to manoeuvre

The only disadvantage of a professional quadrocopter is the higher purchase price you have to pay for it.

What legal regulations must be observed?

Before you let a drone fly, you should know about which rules and laws apply in this context. Otherwise, you can expect to be fined. In principle, any person may fly a drone without the need for a licence or permit. The only requirement is that the drone weighs less than five kilograms and is only used for private purposes. Minors are then also authorised to control the drone. However, supervision by an adult is advisable in any case. If a drone weighs more than five kilograms, an ascent permit must be obtained from the responsible aviation authority. There are different types of permits, ranging from a one-time flight permit to a permit for two years. There are great differences from one federal state to the next in terms of permit regulations. It is therefore best to find out for yourself at the state aviation authority. You will also find the application forms there.

There are also restrictions on where a drone can fly. You are on the safe side if you let it fly on designated model airfields. Flying is also allowed on your own property, as long as you do not live in a no-fly zone. In public or other private places, it makes sense to secure the owner's consent before you let the drone take off. It is important that you never lose visual contact with the drone. For safety reasons, a flight altitude of 100 metres should not be exceeded. If you want to take aerial photos with your drone, the individual persons must not be clearly recognisable on them. If this is the case, you must ask the person being photographed for permission.