What exactly are the tricopters? A tricopter is a type of multicopter drone that uses three rotors for propulsion. It is an alternative to quadcopters and offers distinct advantages such as improved stability, simpler mechanical design and sharper maneuverability. Vision Aerial’s engineers concluded that the tri-rotor design was the best after researching, experimenting, and creating multiple prototypes.
From its initial launch, the SwitchBlade tricopter from Vision Aerial has proven to exemplify extraordinary capability and be vastly different from current industry standards. In keeping up with the times, Vision Aerial has managed to make significant improvements to their design and have released the SwitchBlade-Elite 2.0. This powerful UAV is creates using all the knowledge and advances in technology making it an unrivaled top choice when selecting a drone.
What is a tricopter? A tricopter is an aerial drone that utilizes three rotors to generate lift instead of the four rotors typically seen in other drones. Vision Aerial has argued that tricopters are superior to traditional quadcopters for several reasons, including their lightweight design, improved lifting ability, and lack of vibrations from asymmetric thrust.
Natural Flight Dynamics of Tricopters
Tricopters, also known as tri-rotor drones, offer an experience that closely mirrors the flight of a fixed-wing aircraft. Unlike quadcopters, tricopters are easier for pilots to operate due to more intuitive acceleration and deceleration responses. The SwitchBlade-Elite additionally offers the benefits from both tricopters and quadcopters with its unique pivoting tail yaw mechanism. From this user can enjoy natural forward flights and smooth hover, take-off, and landing maneuvers.
Tri-Rotor Drones Feature Easy Aircraft Orientation
Tricopters, unlike their quad-copter counterparts, are much easier to identify in terms of orientation even from a distance. This makes them particularly appealing for commercial operators who are required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, to fly within line-of-sight due to their distinctive design which is not symmetrical, making front and back more differentiated and easily discernible. LED lights can further help tricopter operators maintain their bearings.
Tricopters, and their use of three propellers, are a reliable and accurate method for drone navigation. As tricopters can be easily maneuvered in any direction, they are key for precision operations, such as the inspection of expensive wind-turbine blades. The accurate orientation afforded by tricopters ensures that costly mistakes can be avoided.
Tricopters Superior Yaw Authority
Tricopters, unlike their quad-rotor counterparts, use a separate tail motor that is solely dedicated to controlling the aircraft’s yaw. This motor is independently adjustable, allowing for greater control and precision when it comes to changing the direction the aircraft is facing. In fact, some tricopters even feature two tail motors that can be individually adjusted in order to fine-tune its ability to rotate.
Tricopters, a type of drone featuring a pivoting rear yaw mechanism that allows the rear rotor to rotate along the longitudinal axis, enable aircraft to rotate through applying force to the vertical axis. This method does not require torque vectoring where more than one prop would need to slow down; instead, all props can remain at max capacity and still enable the rear prop to turn the tricopter.
A tricopter is a specific type of drone that differs from the more traditional quadcopter in its design. Instead of four blades, as you would find on a typical quadcopter, a tricopter has three rotors and an additional ‘tail rotor’ for extra thrust and steering stability. This tail motor also allows for smoother motion than what is found in traditional quads, allowing it to better handle windy conditions. In fact, many users prefer the maneuverability of tricopters over their four-rotor counterparts!
Larger Props Increase Efficiency
Tricopters, such as SwitchBlade-Elite, utilize three propellers instead of four. This allows for more far-reaching spaces in between the props, making it possible to use larger, more efficient props. Because of this, they are able to rotate at a slower speed while still providing sustained flight and hovering capabilities. With up to 18.5” props and 35% increased disc size than most quadcopter designs’ 15” props, the load on each prop is much lesser hence allowing for greater battery utilization and extended flight times.
Faster and Easier Collapse for Transport
An increasing number of drone enthusiasts are now turning their attention to the tricopter. This three-rotor aircraft is smaller in size than typical quadcopters, making it easier to travel with and transport. Additionally, the SwitchBlade-Elite tricopter model allows for quick and easy setup, going from case to flight in less than two minutes. With its convenient size and design, this unique tricopter offers a new way for recreational drone users to enjoy the skies.