The majority of drones on the market are powered by electric batteries.
This is because electric motors are simpler and more efficient than combustion engines.
However, they also have a few disadvantages.
One of the biggest disadvantages is if you need a drone in the air for hours.
Some of the best battery drones can only last up to 40 minutes or less in the air.
This is where the need for a gas powered drone comes in.
These units can fly longer and farther than their battery-powered counterparts.
Unfortunately, it can be quite hard to find a gas powered drone on the market since they are far more expensive and only used for commercial purposes.
Most are DIY projects.
However, we’ve done the research and found some of the best gas powered drones you can find today.
Drone
Features
Price
- Flight time: 5-8 Hours with 8L gasoline
- Payload Maximum: 10KG
- Cruise speed: 100-120km/h
- What is a gas powered drone?
- Best gasoline powered drones
- Advantages of gas drones
- Disadvantages of gas drones
- Gas engine drones vs battery powered drones
- Important factors to consider on a gas quadcopter
- How the parts works
- How to start it
- Does it include a camera?
- Check how it’s assembled
- Is it RTF?
- Know the controls
- Check noise levels
- Conclusion
What is a gas powered drone?
A gas powered drone comes with a small but effective engine that delivers the same functionality as traditional battery-powered drones.
It may run on traditional gasoline or nitrogen as some higher-end models do.
Most gas drones are built for long endurance and long-range flights.
This makes them perfect for filmmakers and heavy industrial lifting.
Each gas drone is built differently and comes with its own designs as well as key features to meet various needs.
Best gasoline powered drones
- Flight time: 5-8 Hours with 8L gasoline
- Payload Maximum: 10KG
- Cruise speed: 100-120km/h
The Fly Dragon VTOL UAV can be used for surveillance, survey and mapping.
It comes with various sensors that allow it to meet the needs of various field applications.
This gas-powered unit can autonomously and safely take off and land vertically even in small areas.
There’s no need for long runways.
It offers 5-8 hours of flight time with 8 liters of gasoline and has a payload maximum of 10KG.
In terms of speed, this UAV can cruise at speeds of 100-120km/h.
- Long Endurance Fuel Power Fixed Wing gasoline VTOL UAV Surveillance Survey Mapping Gasoline Engine...
- Flight time: 60 minutes
- Payload Maximum: 12 pounds
- Speed: 60+ mph
The Yeair gas-powered drone is designed to transport parcels over long distances as quickly as possible.
It is efficient, fast and sturdily built with a series of borders around the rotors to protect them from damage.
This unit can reach speeds up to 60+ mph and can carry loads up to 12 pounds.
Flight time comes in around 60 minutes before you need to refuel.
The Yeair drone uses a two-stroke engine that should be able to withstand the test of time.
- Use: Aerial Photography
- Blades: 110mm
- Span: 490mm (diagonal rotor to rotor)
The Nitro Stingray uses a two-stroke Scorpion motor and is great for aerial photography.
The drone can maintain a steady position for longer periods even in windy conditions when compared to other drones.
This ensures that photos are distortion-free with sharp and crisp details.
Not only can this drone handle normal drone flight movement with ease but also a variety of #D flight movements like moving up, down or diagonally.
You can also use the Nitro Stingray to perform tricks like barrel rolls and others just for a bit of fun.
- Engine: two-stroke(12.5 HP each)
- Payload Maximum: 50 pounds
- Blades: 435mm
The Incredible HLQ was designed by a team of engineering students from the San Jose State University in California.
It even has its own Kickstarter campaign.
HLQ stands for heavy lifting quadcopter and the drone was designed to help lift and deliver heavy loads up to 50 pounds.
It comes with a 2-stroke engine with each capable of 12.5 HP.
This unit is still in its testing phase so we’re not sure when it will be available for sale but you can check it out and keep your eyes peeled.
- Engine:30HP
- Type: DIY
The Goliath Quadcopter is a DIY project currently in a prototype development phase.
It was constructed for the Hackaday prize competition.
This unit is powered by a 30HP engine and allows the average consumer to purchase materials locally to assemble the quad with very little assistance.
It uses many off-the-shelf products which makes building the Goliath very affordable.
As with the previous unit before, it may take some time before we see this gas engine quadcopter up for sale on the market.
However, the good thing is you can follow the instructions and try building it yourself.
Advantages of gas drones
Great in windy conditions
Gasoline powered drones have more moving parts.
This means that they’ll weigh a whole lot more than traditional battery-powered drones.
The added weight will help to keep the drone steady, especially in high wind conditions.
This is great for filmmakers who’d want to capture clean and crisp footage without distortion.
Long flight time
Another big advantage of these drones is their relatively long flight time.
They allow you to fly your drone for longer and record for longer as well.
You’ll find that some of these units can have flight times up to 60 minutes before they need refueling.
Back in the air faster
Refueling a gas powered drone is faster than waiting for a battery to charge to use your drone again.
A gas powered drone can be refueled in seconds while a drone battery may take several hours to charge.
Disadvantages of gas drones
Big and heavy
While being big and heavy to battle windy conditions is good, being big and heavy has some disadvantages.
The first being hard to maneuver.
Due to their size and weight, gas drones can prove to be a challenge to the average drone pilot.
They can be a nightmare when compared to other RC drones with batteries.
Ignite the motors
Like motor vehicles that use gasoline, gas drones also behave in a similar way.
You’ll need to ignite the motor to start the drone.
They can sometimes cause interference since the ignition process requires the use of high voltages.
This may not be that big of an issue to advanced users but can prove to be problematic for beginner drone pilots.
Most people use a PCM or 2.4GHz spread spectrum radio.
Regular checks
You’ll have to make regular checks on your gasoline drone.
You’ll need to check the fuel level, fuel system, moving parts and others to ensure everything is working as it should.
Gas engine drones vs battery powered drones
Some people prefer gas drones while others prefer the traditional battery drone.
So how do gas engine drones and battery-powered drones differ from each other and which is better?
Let’s take a deeper look.
Flight Time
Both types are capable of staying in the air for quite some time.
However, gas engine drones take the lead and have much longer flight times.
You can expect up to 60 minutes or more flying time before the need for refueling arises.
Refueling is simple, easy and can be done in a matter of seconds.
On the other hand, you’ll have to wait for hours until the battery charges on the battery-powered drone.
It may cost you next to nothing to charge up the battery since you’ll be using electricity.
On the other hand, you’ll need to purchase fuel every time you fly which can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
However, gas drones still come out on top because having a longer flight time is worth it in some situations.
Motors
Gas drones are beasts and come with tons of power.
They can reach speeds up to 60mph and carry heavy payloads all the way up to 50 pounds.
There’s also more stored energy in the gasoline units than battery units so you get more power.
Again, gas drones are the winners.
Payload
As stated above, some gas drones can carry payloads up to 50 pounds.
This is only possible with a drone that uses gasoline.
Battery-powered drones cannot lift such a heavy load.
If you need to lift heavy payloads across long distances, gas drones are the best way to go.
As you can see, gas drones trump the battery drone yet again.
Surviving a crash
Battery drones are lighter in nature so they may not receive a ton of damage during a minor crash.
On the other hand, you may not be so lucky if you crash a gasoline drone.
A crash even if minor can lead to extensive damages that can cost you.
It may even burst into flames if it falls from a certain height.
This happens because these drones are bigger and heavier so there’s additional risk in the vent of a crash.
If you’re a beginner drone pilot, it is recommended that you stay as far away as possible from these units.
If not you will put yourself, the drone and others at risk as well as flushing quite a bit of money down the toilet.
In this instance, battery-powered drones are the clear winner.
Price
If you want a drone but you have a small budget, stick with battery-powered drones.
These are far cheaper than their gas counterparts.
Some battery-powered drones are powerful and offer reasonable flight times of 30 minutes or more.
Gas drones are expensive since they are most likely going to be used in a commercial setting.
They’ll need certain key features to do the task at hand.
These units may cost several thousand dollars so if you’re not going to be using it in a commercial setting, go for a battery-powered drone.
For the best in price, battery-powered drones cannot be beaten.
Important factors to consider on a gas quadcopter
A gas quadcopter can be great for delivering parcels or even for surveillance purposes.
They can also be a great tool for passionate drone enthusiasts who want something with a bit more power to play with.
However, to choose the best unit for you, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration.
This is because no two gas drones are ever the same since each is designed to perform a specific function.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to know.
How the parts works
Individual parts of a gas drone may have several different features that influence the way the unit works.
You’ll need to consider and understand how each part works before settling on a unit.
For example, you’ll need to know how the blades rotate to produce thrust and if the blades of the particular unit can give you the required thrust.
You’ll also have to check the material the blades are made from, the size and if they can be replaced in the event they break or become damaged.
You’ll need to do this for all other parts including the fuel system, exhaust and motor.
It is important you know how the unit works, how easy it is to replace parts and how to optimize and get the best out of your unit.
How to start it
Some gas-powered drones come with a choke button or a pull cord.
These are used to start the drone.
You’ll have to pay careful attention and choose the one you think you’d be most comfortable with.
You want to be able to start up your gas drone in as little time as possible.
Another thing you’ll need to check is how well the battery can be used.
The battery that comes with gas drones should be checked so you’ll have an idea of its workload and when it needs to be replaced.
The size of the battery also matters as it will give you a better idea of all you need to know as well.
Does it include a camera?
Some gas drones come with a camera while others will require you to purchase a separate camera.
Mounting your own camera isn’t difficult and you’ll just need to strap securely on a flat surface on the drone.
Also, pay attention to the memory and recording properties if you get a gas drone with a camera.
Some gas drones have large disks for storage while others may have a port for a memory card or so.
Check how it’s assembled
If you’re purchasing a unit that you need to assemble yourself, make sure you have a good understanding of how to do so.
Once you know how the drone is assembled, it won’t be hard to maintain or fix anything on it if something goes wrong.
If you’re going for a Ready-to-Fly unit, look and make sure the drone is assembled correctly.
Most units will come with a detailed instruction book so you have a good idea of how to assemble and understand your drone.
Try not to take apart your unit unless you are pretty sure you can put it back together correctly.
Is it RTF?
RTF stands for Ready-To-Fly and is affixed to drones that are ready to fly right out the box.
These units are already assembled and all you may be required to do is fuel up and go.
Check to see if the unit you want is RTF or you’ll be required to assemble it yourself.
Know the controls
A gas drone is a huge investment and you need to make sure you understand how to control the drone.
If not, you can kiss your money goodbye if you crash.
You’ll need to read and study the user manuals to understand how the different controls work.
Do not fly your drone if you’re not certain you can pilot it effectively.
Check noise levels
These big and heavier drones can sometimes produce a high level of noise that can be annoying to some.
If you are going to be using them for surveillance or filming in populated areas, you’ll need units that make as little noise as possible.
Conclusion
Gas-powered drones are rare but they are some of the most powerful units you can get your hands on.
There are quite a few different models since they’re all built for specific purposes.
However, no matter which one you choose, be sure to check the controls, motor and flight time and range.
Make sure that the drone best suits and meets your demands.
If you’re not certain a gasoline drone is right for you, read our longest battery life drones and the best long range drone posts.