Drones are everywhere these days. From taking cool photos at weddings to helping professionals in construction, farming, and even emergency response. But have you ever wondered what’s actually inside a drone? What makes it fly, stay balanced, and follow instructions?
Let’s look at what components make a Drone, a drone!
1. The Frame
Think of this frame like a skeleton. It holds everything together.
- Usually made from light but strong stuff like carbon fibre or plastic.
- It needs to be tough enough to handle bumps, weather, and the weight of all the other gear.
If the frame breaks, the drone’s grounded – simple as that.
2. Motors
Drones use brushless motors. These little guys spin the propellers.
- The motors create lift and movement.
- More motors = more power and stability (e.g., quadcopters have 4).
Strong motors are especially handy in windy areas or when carrying cameras and sensors.
3. Propellers
Each motor has a propeller. These spin fast to push air down and lift the drone up.
- Different shapes and sizes affect how smooth or fast the drone flies.
- They also help turn and stop.
If a prop breaks, your drone might spin out of control – so keep spares handy!
4. ESCs
ESCs (Electonic Speed Controllers) are like the traffic lights for power.
- They tell the motors how fast to spin based on signals from the flight controller.
- They help the drone move smoothly and stay balanced.
Without ESCs, you’d have no control over your drone’s speed.
5. Battery
Most drones run on rechargeable lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries.
- They’re lightweight but powerful.
- Battery size decides how long your drone can fly – usually 20–30 minutes.
More power = more flying time, but also more weight.
6. PDB
PDB stands for Power Distribution Board. This part spreads the battery’s power to all the right places.
- It connects to ESCs, motors, and other electronics.
- Helps avoid short circuits and overheating.
It’s the electrical “heart” of the drone.
7. Flight Controller
This tiny computer keeps everything running smoothly.
- It balances the drone and keeps it level.
- Reads signals from sensors and your remote controller.
- Makes decisions on how to fly.
Without it, a drone wouldn’t know how to stay in the air!
8. GPS
The GPS helps the drone know exactly where it is.
- Useful for flying to a set location or returning home.
- Great for mapping and survey work.
Many drones now have GPS as a standard feature – especially for professional use.
9. Compass
The compass helps the drone know which way it’s facing.
- It works with the GPS and flight controller.
- Very important for accurate navigation.
If the compass is off, the drone might go in the wrong direction!
10. IMU
IMU stands for Inertial Measurement Unit. It includes:
- A gyroscope (for rotation)
- An accelerometer (for movement)
These help the flight controller keep the drone balanced in mid-air.
11. Remote Controller
This is how you control the drone from the ground.
- Some are simple with sticks and buttons.
- Others have screens and apps for live video feeds.
You can fly with your phone too – but traditional controllers offer better precision.
12. Antennas
Antennas let the controller and drone talk to each other.
- Sends and receives signals for movement, camera control, and more.
- Longer antennas = better range.
Some drones can fly up to several kilometres away – depending on their antennas.
13. Camera
One of the best parts of modern drones is the camera.
- Great for photography, video, inspections, and surveys.
- Ranges from basic 1080p to 4K and beyond.
- Some drones carry special cameras like thermal or multispectral.
Professionals use drones with high-quality cameras for roof checks, land mapping, and even rescue missions.
14. Gimbal
A gimbal holds the camera and keeps it level, even if the drone tilts or moves fast.
- 2 or 3-axis gimbals offer smoother footage.
- Crucial for sharp, clear photos and videos.
If your footage looks shaky, your gimbal might need a tweak.
15. Obstacle Sensors
These sensors help the drone avoid crashes.
- Detects walls, trees, or people.
- Can be infrared, ultrasonic, or visual sensors.
- Some drones stop automatically if something’s in the way.
Very handy for flying in tight spaces or during automated missions.
16. Software & Apps
The software is just as important as the hardware.
- Lets you plan flights, view footage, and adjust settings.
- Helps process aerial images into 3D maps or models.
Tools like DJI Fly, Pix4D, or DroneDeploy make this work easier, especially in pro jobs.
17. Extras – Add-Ons for Special Jobs
Depending on the task, drones can carry extra tools like:
- Thermal cameras (for heat detection)
- LiDAR (for 3D scanning)
- Sprayers (for farming)
- Speakers or lights (for emergency work)
The sky’s the limit when it comes to drone upgrades.
Real-World Example: What Two70° Uses Drones For
Two70° uses drones to do everything from surveying big construction sites to helping manage land and buildings. Our drones are packed with many of the parts we just talked about – cameras, sensors, smart software – and flown by experienced operators.
They show how all these bits come together to solve real problems in a smarter, safer way.
Want to learn more about how they work? Check out our site here: two70.com.au
Wrapping Up: Why Knowing the Parts Matters
Understanding drone parts helps in a few big ways:
- Better flying – You know how your drone works and what affects performance.
- Easier fixing – If something breaks, you’ll know what needs replacing.
- Smarter buying – You’ll choose the right drone for your needs.
So next time you see a drone buzzing above, you’ll know it’s not just a toy – it’s a flying machine with brains, balance, and serious tech packed into every flight.
Thinking of flying drones for work or fun? Start by learning the basics – and who knows, maybe one day you’ll be piloting your own high-tech survey drone like the crew at Two70°.
FAQ
What makes a drone fly?
A mix of parts working together – not just the propellers!
Are all drones the same?
Not really – most have similar parts, but some have extra tech depending on what they’re built for.
How does it stay in the air?
There’s smart gear inside that helps keep it steady and balanced.
Can I fix it if something breaks?
Maybe – once you know what each part does.
Do drones all have cameras?
Not all, but many do – and some can capture pretty amazing footage.
What powers a drone?
A battery – but there’s more to how the power gets used and shared.
Do they use GPS?
Lots do – it helps with flying, tracking, and getting home safely.