Fixed wing drones come in three varieties: straight, swept, and delta. The benefits of fixed-wing drones include easy construction and low maintenance requirements, extended flight times, the ability to cover a big area quickly, stability, high image quality, and other benefits. Fixed-wing drones are used for a variety of aerial tasks, including mapping and surveying, search-and-rescue operations, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions. Fixed wing drones are specifically employed to quickly map greater areas. For instance, militaries deploy fixed-wing drones to rapidly and effectively assess conflict zones. Drones with fixed wings are utilised in the energy and utility industries to inspect pipelines and power lines.
The global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Market was valued at US$ 19,365.8 Mn in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 68,983.0 Mn by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.3% between 2021 and 2028.
Major Players in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry:
1. 3D Robotics
Founded in 2009, 3DR makes Site Scan, the industry leading drone data platform for construction and engineering professionals. The company has headquarters situated in Berkeley, CA.
2. AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment, Inc. designs, develops, produces, delivers, and supports a portfolio of robotic systems and related services for government agencies and businesses in the United States and internationally. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
3. Elbit Systems Ltd
Elbit Systems Ltd. develops and supplies a portfolio of airborne, land, and naval systems and products for the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation applications primarily in Israel. The company was incorporated in 1966 and is based in Haifa, Israel. In March, 2023 Elbit Systems, Nippon Aircraft Supply (NAS) and Itochu Aviation have signed a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote mutual cooperation for a range of solutions between the companies.
4. General Atomics
Founded in 1955, General Atomics, based in San Diego, CA, develops advanced technology solutions for government and commercial applications. The company has headquarters situated in San Diego, CA. In March, 2023 Additive Manufacturing capability, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has established a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its longtime partner Conflux Technology.
5. Lockheed Martin Corporation
Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. Lockheed Martin Corporation was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.
6. Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation was founded in 1939 and since then operates as an aerospace and defence company. The company has headquarters in Falls church, Virginia and is operational in more than 25 countries. In the month of December, 2022 Northrop Grumman Corporation and the US Air force introduced the B-21 Raider.
7. Parrot SA
Parrot S.A. provides professional drones and software and services in France and internationally.Parrot S.A. was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
8. Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. operates in the aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses worldwide. The company was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.
9. Boeing
The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Arlington, Virginia. In March, 2023 Boeing and Shield AI have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore strategic collaboration in the areas of autonomous capabilities and artificial intelligence on current and future defense programs. The agreement, signed at the Air Force Association Warfare Symposium, will be managed by Boeing Phantom Works.
10. YUNEEC
Founded in Hong Kong in 1999, Yuneec International Co. Ltd. is the world leader in electronic aviation. The company has headquarters situated in Hamburg, Germany.
*Definition- Unmanned aerial vehicles are aircrafts without a human pilot on board, and they are piloted remotely or automatically by a human operator using onboard computers.
