Explore this in-depth comparison of leading mapping drones
A comparison of fixed-wing mapping drones
Comparing all aspects of a technical product can be difficult and time-consuming. This comparison goes into great detail to provide organizations with the necessary information to be able to make a decision on which mapping drone best suits their needs.
In order to provide prospective mapping drone owners with full transparency, we organized all specifications of leading mapping drones in this comparison and data-sheet. To learn about how we acquired this data, please see the sources at the bottom of this page.
The platforms included in this comparison are:
The DeltaQuad Pro #MAP by Vertical Technologies
The WingtraOne by Wingtra
The Trinity F90+ by Quantum Systems
The Marlyn by AtmosUAV
The eBee X by SenseFly
In the first section, you will find a quick overview of the most critical aspects relevant to any mapping or surveying solution. In the second part, we highlight 3 key differentatiors. After this section you will find a full list comparing every known and relevant specification. Finally, the analysis includes a list of sources and references so that you may verify the objectivity of this comparison.
Quick rundown of fixed-wing mapping drones
A quick rundown of the most critical aspects of the leading mapping UAV platforms on the market today.
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
Product image
Max. flight time
At sea level with camera payload
110 minutes
59 minutes
90 minutes
50 minutes
60/90 minutes
Coverage at 3cm/px
The coverage is calculated by multiplying the maximum flight distance by the maximum camera resolution. It is based on 3CM per pixel with an overlap of 50%
1200HA
450HA
800HA
360HA
220HA/500HA
Precision
<1CM
<1CM
2-5CM
<1CM
>3CM
Control range
10KM/30KM/50KM/Unlimited
10KM
7KM
7KM/20KM
8KM
Max resolution
61 Megapixel
42 Megapixel
42 Megapixel
42 Megapixel
24 Megapixel
Live video
Displays a live HD video stream of the mapping camera during flight on the Ground Control Station.
This feature is usefull to verify the camera payload is functioning and set correctly
✓
X
X
X
X
Swappable payloads
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Comparative package price
To compare pricing a package was selected for each model that most closely resembles:
- 42MP camera - 1CM PPK (if available) - 2 Batteries - Standard radio solution - Ground Control Station (if available)
Prices of the comparative packages were last updated in May 2021. Prices of competing fixed-wing mapping drone suppliers are subject to change and we can not guarantee the validity of the prices listed here. When in doubt, make sure to double check pricing with the listed suppliers.
42MP: € 19.593,00 61MP: € 20.993,00
42MP: € 29.600,00
42MP: € 21.990,00
42MP: € 29.450,00
24MP: € 22.550,00
Three key differentiators
A quick rundown of the most critical aspects of fixed-wing mapping drone platforms on the market today.
1. Maximum surveying area in Hectares
The maximum area that can be mapped in a single flight is determined by several factors such as camera resolution, cruise speed, endurance, and lens options. This comparison is based on the highest resolution offered for each platform, combined with the maximum flight distance.
The values have been calculated based on 3cm per pixel resolution and a 50% image overlap.
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP 1200Ha
Trinity F90+ 800Ha
eBee X 500Ha
WingtraOne 450Ha
Marlyn 360Ha
2. Maximum image resolution
The maximum image resolution is an important factor for a fixed-wing mapping UAV.
A higher resolution allows:
– Covering larger areas
– Flying at higher altitudes for safety and efficiency
– Producing higher resolution end results
– Better post-processing performance with more accuracy
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP 61 Megapixel
Marlyn 42 megapixel
WingtraOne 42 Megapixel
Trinity F90+ 42 Megapixel
eBee X 24 Megapixel
3. Maximum flight time
The maximum flight time for fixed-wing mapping drones depends on the altitude above sea level. As the altitude increases, the UAVs need to fly faster due to a lower air density. However, the lower air density also provides less drag, therefor in most cases the maximum flight distance remains the same at all altitudes.
The indicated maximum flight times are at sea level.
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP 110 Minutes
Trinity F90+ 90 Minutes
eBee X 90 Minutes
WingtraOne 59 Minutes
Marlyn 50 Minutes
Visit our product page to learn more about the DeltaQuad Pro #MAP.
In this section, all aspects of the selected fixed-wing mapping drones are compared. Most aspects are based on the published specifications by the manufacturers. Some aspects were derived or calculated. When an aspect shows an info icon, you can hover or tap for more information on what this aspect means or how it was calculated.
Platform specifications
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
Country of Origin
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Germany
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Redundant VTOL: A seperated system for fixed-wing and hover flight offering flight redundancy for failsafe landings
Tailsitter VTOL: A winged UAV with 2 or 4 motors that takes off and lands on its tail without redundancy
Tiltrotor VTOL: A fixed-wing that tilts it's 3 motors to multirotor flight without redundancy
Fixed-wing: A hand launched airplane without vertical takeoff/landing and without redundancyPlatform type
Redundant VTOL
VTOL tailsitter
VTOL tiltrotor
VTOL tailsitter
Fixed-wing
At sea level with camera payloadCruise speed
16m/s
16m/s
17m/s
14m/s
11m/s
At sea level with camera payloadMax. flight time
110 minutes
59 minutes
90 minutes
50 minutes
60/90 minutes
The maximum flight distance is calculated by multiplying the cruise speed by the max flight time, and reducing the value by 10% to accomodate for takeoff and landing.
The calculation was done as not all manufacturers use the same method for specifying the maximum flight distance.Max. flight distance
100KM
50KM
90KM
40KM
55KM
Payload capacity
1200G
800G
700G
800G
800G
Radio range
10KM/30KM/50kM/Unlimited
10KM
7KM
7KM/20KM
8KM
Displays a live HD video stream of the mapping camera during flight on the Ground Control Station.
This feature is usefull to verify the camera payload is functioning and set correctlyLive mapping video
✓
X
X
X
X
Zero pre-flight calibrations means there are no actions required before every flight. This decreases the setup time and makes operating the vehicle easier.Zero pre-flight calibrations
✓
X
X
X
✓
VPN secured mobile internet communication, serving as a backup link when flying beyond radio range. The link type can seamlessly be switched between Radio or LTE, and provides vehicle control, manual control and video transmission over either link.
The use of this feature is optional.4G/LTE support
✓
X
X
X
X
A First Person View (FPV) camera is installed in the nose of the vehicle. This provides live video on the Ground Control Station for situational awareness and increased safety. The video stream on the Ground Control Station can be switched between the main (mapping) camera and the nose camera.FPV video support
✓
X
X
X
X
The ability to interchange the supported payloadsSwappable payloads
✓
✓
✓
X
✓
Supported cameras
61MP - Sony A7R-IV
42MP - Sony A7R-III
42MP - Sony RX1R-II
24MP - Sony A6000
Agrowing 12MP multispectral
Micasense RedEdge-P
Micasense Altum PT
Workswell WIRIS Pro
20MP - Sony QX1
42MP - Sony RX1R II
MicaSense Altum
20MP - Sony UMC
42MP - Sony RX1R II
MicaSense Altum PT
MicaSense RedEdge-P
42MP - Sony RX1RII
24MP - Sony A7C
Micasense Altum
The coverage is calculated by multiplying the maximum flight distance by the maximum camera resolution. It is based on 3CM per pixel with an overlap of 50%Coverage at 3cm/px
1200HA
450 Ha
800HA
360HA
220HA/500HA
The maximum distance the UAV can fly away from the operator, and return home. The values are limited by the maximum radio rangeMaximum corridor length
50KM
5KM
7KM
20KM
8KM
The lowest Ground Sampling Distance the UAV can achieve with 50% overlap. These values were calculated based on the minimum altitude required to achieve 50% overlap and remain within the minimum trigger time of the camera. Combined with the maximum camera resolution this provides a uniform method of comparing the lowest ground resolution
The values are indicated in centimeters per pixel.Lowest GSD
0.4 CM/PX
0.7CM/PX
0.7CM/PX
0,85CM/PX
1.5CM/PX
RTK/PPK setup
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
Precision
<1CM
<1CM
2-5CM
<1CM
>3CM
This indicated wether or not the manufacturer offers the option of including a PPK/RTK base station with the UAV. Base station available
✓
X
✓
X
✓
Software features
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
Smart mission planning automatically generates flight paths based on a desired surveying area.Smart mission planning
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
A smart validation system checks the mission plan for any inconsistencies. It provides critical warnings such as unsafe flight, bad weather conditions or unfeasable mission plans. It also provides tips to optimize results.Smart mission plan validation
✓
X
X
X
X
Flight Simulator
✓
X
X
X
✓
Terrain following
✓
✓
✓
X
✓
Fully automated takeoff and landing without any need for manual control inputAutomated takeoff & land
✓
✓
X
✓
X
Safety features
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
When flight systems for fixed-wing and hover flight are seperated, a redundant flight systems allows for automatic fallback recovery in the event of a failureRedundant flight system
✓
X
X
X
X
ADS-B can detect and avoid most manned aviation. This is often required for certified operation and improves overall safetyADS-B
✓
✓
✓
X
✓
A First Person View (FPV) nose camera feed provides the operator with a pilot view of the vehicle during flight. This improves situational awareness and flight safetyLive nose camera (FPV)
✓
X
X
X
X
Tolerances
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
Limited by cruise speed, and reduced with 5 meters per second for mapping.
This value should be based on sea level as wind tolerance increases at higher altitudes. It seems that not all suppliers are listing these values at sea levelMaximum wind
45 km/h
40 km/h
43 km/h
45KM/h
35 km/h
Max. takeoff & landing wind
33 km/h
30 km/h
33 km/h (25km/h above 1500m)
45KM/h (unverified)
35km/h
Max. Takeoff Altitude
4000M
2500m
4000m
4000m
5000m
Temperature range
-20 to +45 C
-10 to +40 C
-12 to +50 C
-10 to +40 C
-15 to + 40C
The ability to fly in rain or snow is limited by the use of an Airspeed Sensor. The DeltaQuad does not use an airspeed sensor allowing it to fly in rainy or snowy conditionsWeather conditions
Clear Light rain Light snow
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Handling
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
Assembly and pre-flight calibration time was either specified and/or determined by watching operation videos for different platforms.Setup time
1 minute
5 minutes
7 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Controller image
Integrated controllers provide mission planning and manual control on the same device. The DeltaQuad Controller can wirelessly connect to a Laptop or Tablet and provide an additional control link.
Analog controllers are seperate devices that are required to operate the vehicle in addition to a Ground Control Station.Control type
Integrated touch-screen controller with mission planning, live video, and manual control joysticks
Analog controller
Analog controller
Analog controller
Analog controller
Integrated controllers use the same datalink for manual override, telemetry, and live video.
Analog controllers generally use separate radio systems with limited range.Manual control range
Up to 50KM / Unlimited
3KM (estimated)
1KM (estimated)
3KM (estimated)
1KM (specified)
Ground Control Station Options
Integrated controller
Tablet
Field laptop
Command center integration
Tablet
Not included A laptop is required to operate
Not included A laptop is required to operate
Not included A laptop is required to operate
Autonomy
Full autonomous Autonomous mapping Autonomous takeoff Autonomous landing
Full autonomous Autonomous mapping Autonomous takeoff Autonomous landing
The ability to control the UAV using joystick control. Assisted control means that no pilot skills are required to operate the vehicle in manual override mode. Regular manual control requires a skilled drone pilot for operation.Manual override
Assisted manual control in fixed wing and hover flight
Manual control in fixed wing and hover flight
Assisted manual control in hover flight only
Manual control in fixed wing and hover flight
Manual control in fixed wing only
Takeoff weight
6.2 Kg
4.5 kg
5.0KG
6.7KG
1.6KG
Wing span
235 cm
125 cm
239CM
160CM
116CM
Prices of competing fixed-wing mapping drone suppliers are subject to change and we can not guarantee the validity of the prices listed here. When in doubt, make sure to double check pricing with the listed suppliers.
Costs comparison
DeltaQuad Pro #MAP
WingtraOne
Trinity F90+
Marlyn
eBee X
Package contents
UAV
2 batteries
1CM PPK
42MP Sony RX1RII
20KM radio link
Tablet
UAV
2 batteries
1CM PPK
42MP Sony RX1RII
10KM radio link
Tablet
UAV
2 batteries
3CM PPK
42MP Sony RX1RII
7KM radio link
UAV
2 batteries
1CM PPK
42MP Sony RX1RII
7KM radio link
UAV
2 batteries
3CM PPK
24MP Sensefly AreaX
8KM radio link
Comparative package price
To compare pricing a package was selected for each model that most closely resembles:
- 42MP camera - 1CM PPK (if available) - 2 Batteries - Standard radio solution - Ground Control Station (if available)
Prices of the comparative packages were last updated in May 2021. Prices of competing fixed-wing mapping drone suppliers are subject to change and we can not guarantee the validity of the prices listed here. When in doubt, make sure to double check pricing with the listed suppliers.
The data in this comparison has been carefully verified across multiple sources. Should you find any inconsistency, please feel free to contact us.
No rights can be derived from this data.
Need assistance?
We understand you might have questions about mapping with a fixed-wing drone. We're happy to help you in this process!
Product updates of the DeltaQuad Pro