Drone manufacturers are constantly designing new aircraft configurations and capabilities. Keeping up with can be quite a challenge. Understanding a little about the differences can help when exploring what machine best suits your business needs.

Essentially most entry-level drones fit into the quadcopter category. This means they are four motor devices. This configuration includes lighter micro drones up to some medium-sized models. When larger lifting capacity is required for applications, such as spraying, or payload delivery then devices such as Hexa-rotor or Octo-rotor machines are available. They are often used in larger camera systems not only for their load carrying capacity but their stability. Some systems also have a level of redundancy as they can stay in flight if a motor fails. 

Larger machines are heavier and require larger battery systems. They also are in a weight category that requires specific pilot licensing.

Image by Ed Durack

Diagram showing the possible configurations with the hoverfly multi-rotor control board