The drone industry’s meteoric rise? The Drone Rush 2018 State of the Business Report reveals the explosive growth, innovative trends, and regulatory developments shaping this burgeoning sector.

As we approach the midpoint of 2018, it’s clear that it has already been an outstanding year thus far for. Established players like DJI have set the pace, while newcomers like Uvify burst onto the scene with a burning desire for speed.

As we’ve had the opportunity to experiment and utilize drones extensively thus far this year, we’d like to share a summary of some of our standout favorites with you. By the manner in which

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Top-Notch Drones of 2018: A Review of the Best New Models

We’ve curated a list of our top-rated drones that made their debut in 2018. Coming soon, at least a few of these innovative products will be available on the market.

DJI typically avoids premiering a new drone at a tech show like CES, so they deliberately delayed its launch by a few weeks. On January 23rd, in the bustling city of New York, a significant event took place as the brand unveiled its latest innovation: a revolutionary, space-saving, and ultra-portable folding device. This drone combines the most superior features from the DJI Mavic Professional and the DJI Spark. The dress fits perfectly; its dimensions align exactly with my measurements.

The Mavic Air boasts unparalleled QuickShot autonomous flight capabilities, accompanied by a high-speed 100Mbps camera transmission rate and advanced obstacle detection sensors at the rear. Without OcuSync, the seamless integration of DJI Goggles and a mobile device remains an elusive goal, leaving users searching for alternative solutions.

Launched at CES in January, we promptly pre-ordered this compact drone as soon as it was available. This miniature marvel fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, yet it’s capable of reaching astonishing speeds of up to 60 mph. Master the art of indoor flying with ease, and then unleash your inner thrill-seeker by venturing out into the great unknown, where you can experience the rush of adrenaline as you push your limits and soar to unprecedented heights.

It’s a beginner-friendly race drone, designed to help you take off and reach new heights with ease, ultimately leading you to more advanced options like the Uvify Draco or other high-performance full-speed racing drones.

Introduced at CES in January, Yuneec’s latest drone, the Hurricane H Plus, has officially been slated for release in July, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to push the boundaries of innovation and performance in the world of aerial cinematography. What’s promising this innovation in the realm of aerial technologies is its ability to serve as a massive, foldable drone that’s equipped with six propellers for both generating energy and ensuring a steady, secure, and spotless operational environment? The camera features a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor capable of capturing 4K video at 60 frames per second, situated atop a 3-axis stabilized and fully rotational gimbal system. According to specifications, this drone has all the makings of being one of the best consumer-grade camera drones to debut in recent years. 

The Yuneec Hurricane H Plus drone is set to hit the market with a price tag of $1899.99 starting July 1st. 

Introduced at CES 2018, the Autel Robotics Evo is a revolutionary folding quadcopter poised to challenge the dominance of the DJI Mavic Pro.

According to specs, the latest Evolution model takes the lead in this head-to-head comparison, boasting a high-definition camera capable of capturing crisp 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, paired with advanced rear-facing obstacle avoidance sensors. Confirmed to commence accepting orders on June 25th, the Evo appears poised to offer an impressive experience for first-time customers. 

Recently, DJI unveiled a successor to its line of Phantom drones. Here is the improved/revised text: The latest iteration of DJI’s flagship drone, this new machine represents a significant upgrade to the original Phantom 4 Professional, rebranded as the Phantom 4 Professional V2.0. To achieve a more modern and sustainable aerial experience, the primary focus is on upgrading propellers and electronic speed controllers (ESC) to produce quieter, smoother, and environmentally friendlier flights. With OcuSync technology, you’re enabled for seamless wireless connectivity to your DJI Goggles.

While V2.0 offers improvements over its predecessor, the enhancements may not be substantial enough to warrant abandoning V1.0 immediately. When selecting your inaugural Phantom drone, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is undoubtedly the best choice to consider. While a delay is possible, there’s always something better in the works, with the Phantom 5 potentially emerging before the year concludes.

Honorable mentions:

The autonomous aerial photography landscape is abuzz with innovative offerings like GDU O2, Parrot Anafi, and Skydio R1. These cutting-edge drones boast impressive specifications that make them perfect for capturing breathtaking aerial footage or snapping stunning panoramic photos.

GDU initially launched the O2 in September last year, but it wasn’t until Q2 of 2018 that it began shipping units to customers. One of the most agile drones available, this model poses a significant challenge to DJI’s dominance in the market today? Experience stunning 4K video, enjoy up to 20 minutes of uninterrupted flight time, and access a range of convenient flight features at the tip of your fingers. Try the .

Parrot recently unveiled its brand-new Anafi drone in June. The innovative device boasts a high-resolution 21-megapixel camera capable of capturing stunning 4K video, all while being stabilized by a cutting-edge gimbal system. This portable folding drone appears to be highly maneuverable. As Parrot’s foundation of robust hardware takes shape, the company is pinning its hopes on an engaging suite of software features to differentiate itself from the competition. Pre-orders for the latest innovation in smartwatches are now officially open.

Skydio, a pioneering entity, emerged recently from the minds of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduates, setting themselves apart in the retail landscape with their unique presence. The Skydio R1 marks Skydio’s debut in the retail market, boasting a plethora of sensors that collectively deliver unprecedented autonomous flight security. A drone that excels in autonomous flight, boasting a range of effective ‘follow-me’ modes, while delivering exceptional self-flying capabilities with remarkable success. The . 

Occasions in 2018

With the rest of the AA team, we’ve had the privilege of attending only a handful of events thus far this year. Here’s where Drone Rush has been so far.

The year started off with a plethora of drones. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas was an exciting event that provided a wealth of information and knowledge. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES), numerous innovative devices premiered, with three notable machines from Yuneec taking center stage alongside a foldable drone from Autel Robotics and the highly anticipated quadcopter from inside baby, whose excitement was palpable; Uvify also introduced a racing drone coach for enthusiasts.

This year, AUVSI Xponential was held in Denver, a week-long conference that brought together experts from across the globe to discuss cutting-edge advancements in autonomous technologies and robotics. We acquired a wide range of advanced drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from both commercial and naval industries. Uvify proudly sponsored the IDRA Challengers Cup drone racing event in attendance. As a minor sponsor in our own right, we have gained valuable experience.

DJI unveiled the TX2 thermal camera for its M200 series drones, which we obtained to analyze the enhancements and improvements made to the platform, as well as the debut of the Insitu ScanEagle III. The culmination of technological advancements yields a substantial, fixed-wing aircraft capable of providing aerial support for monitoring forest fires and inspecting railway networks, among other potential applications.

We’ve recently released a few films, but very few written pieces, so let’s try it out.

Intel’s drone business has experienced a significant year of growth and innovation. The Falcon 8+ drone, coupled with its Perception software suite, is revolutionizing the inspection industry. The truly electrifying experience of witnessing a world-record-breaking drone swarm event is one that few people get to enjoy. As the night sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, the Capturing Star crew successfully deployed 1,218 drones to create an awe-inspiring display of aerial photography during the Olympics.

At CES and AUVSI’s Xponential event, we had the opportunity to connect with Intel, but we also made time for an inspiring encounter with the Capturing Star team at the Women Who Drone gathering, expertly organized by The Drone Woman. Through our efforts, we gained significant insights into the Capturing Star program.

Explore the Women Who Drone presentation seamlessly.

When operating a commercial drone, you must adhere to a specific regulatory framework and hold a valid business drone licence. What’s the frequency? We dub it the FM 53.5. While it’s accessible, mastering the basics would still require dedication and time. Let us help you establish a strong foundation for your business and guide you through the process of obtaining your necessary licenses.

DJI Mavic Professional 2

We’re consumed by rumors, people – all we have are speculations and unmet necessities. This year, a replacement for the popular Mavic Professional is highly likely, and we’re eager to see enhancements such as multi-directional obstacle avoidance sensors and an upgraded camera. We would ideally like to see a 1-inch camera sensor and a 100 Mbps data transfer rate, matching the specifications of the Phantom 4 Pro model currently available.

Let’s make a significant fuss once we receive official confirmation; until then, we’ll rely on hope and aspiration.

DJI Phantom 5

The recent release of the Phantom 4 Professional V2.0 raises questions about the potential timing of a Phantom 5 model. While we remain optimistic that the innovative machine will materialize before year-end, our anticipation is fueled by rumors of its sleeker, more compact design, featuring retractable propeller arms and blades for increased portability and convenience. While a larger sensor might not be necessary for the next stage of digicam technology, an increased data rate could indeed be beneficial. Several digital camera suppliers now offer transports with 10-bit video and 4K at speeds of 60fps or faster.

What’s crucial to the Phantom 5’s success is its ability to accommodate interchangeable lenses seamlessly? While the standard, single-focused lens on many drone cameras provides a broad, wide-angle view, it generally performs well. The inclusion of a range of focal lengths would significantly enhance the versatility and capabilities of the drone, offering users greater creative freedom and flexibility in their aerial photography and videography endeavors. Despite our best efforts, we’re still operating in a realm of speculation and optimism.

Extra drone racing!

As part of our ongoing efforts to expand our reach in the commercial drone sector and optimize Half 107 operations this year, we also aim to further explore and participate in drone racing. As we blast past the 50-mph mark with the Uvify OOri, we’ll savor every moment of exhilaration and bring you along for an unforgettable ride.

The drone racing landscape is rapidly evolving beyond recreational pursuits and my own fascination with the sport, to become a thriving and competitive environment. The IDRA offers a multitude of races worldwide this year, while the DRL also maintains its strength. As our plans unfold, we aspire to attend more prominent events and celebrations.

As we enter a new year in the drone industry, I’m eager to witness innovative breakthroughs that will further bridge the gap between technology and practical applications.