Unmanned helicopter is a helicopter operated by remote control or autopilot system, which can complete various flight missions without a pilot on board. It combines the maneuverability of traditional helicopters with the advantages of unmanned driving technology, and is widely used in military, public security, agriculture, logistics, disaster relief and other fields. With the continuous advancement of drone technology, unmanned helicopters have become an important aerial operation tool, and their unique flight capabilities and flexibility have enabled them to show great potential in multiple industries.

◆ Basic Structure

The design of unmanned helicopters has many similarities with traditional helicopters, but has been modified accordingly to adapt to unmanned operation. Generally speaking, unmanned helicopters are mainly composed of the following parts:
Fuselage: The fuselage of unmanned helicopters is usually made of lightweight, high-strength materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum alloy to improve flight efficiency and load capacity. The fuselage design is compact and can provide enough space to accommodate flight control systems, batteries and sensors.
Rotor system: The rotor system of unmanned helicopters includes the main rotor and the tail rotor. The main rotor is responsible for providing lift, while the tail rotor controls the attitude and flight direction of the aircraft by adjusting the direction. Since unmanned helicopters usually do not have a cockpit, the design of the rotor system focuses more on flight stability and precise control.
Power system: Unmanned helicopters generally use internal combustion engines or electric drive systems as their power source. Internal combustion engines have a long endurance and are suitable for long-term flights, while electric drives are more environmentally friendly and less noisy, making them suitable for low-altitude flight missions.
Flight control system: The flight control system of unmanned helicopters is very complex, usually including autopilots, GPS navigation systems, inertial measurement units (IMUs), barometers, ultrasonic sensors, etc., for precise flight control and navigation.
Communication system: Unmanned helicopters rely on wireless communication systems to communicate with ground control stations for real-time data transmission and command control. Satellite communications, 4G/5G communications and other technologies are usually used to ensure stability and reliability during long-distance flights.
Sensor and payload system: Depending on mission requirements, unmanned helicopters can be equipped with different sensors, such as high-definition cameras, thermal imagers, radars, laser radars (LiDAR), etc. These sensors can help aircraft perceive the environment and perform tasks, such as terrain scanning, monitoring, reconnaissance, etc.

◆ Working Principle

The flight principle of unmanned helicopters is similar to that of traditional helicopters, mainly relying on the lift generated by the rotor system. However, since unmanned helicopters do not have pilots on board, their flight control relies more on advanced autopilot technology. The key steps in the flight process are as follows:
Takeoff: Unmanned helicopters usually take off by vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), using the lift generated by the rotor system to quickly leave the ground. The control system of the aircraft automatically adjusts the speed and angle of the rotor to ensure a smooth lift-off.
Flight Control: During the flight, the flight control system of the unmanned helicopter automatically adjusts the flight attitude and heading according to the instructions issued by the ground control station. By working in conjunction with GPS and inertial measurement units, unmanned helicopters can accurately control the flight path and complete various tasks according to the preset flight trajectory.
Mission execution: The sensor system of the unmanned helicopter can obtain real-time data during flight, conduct environmental monitoring, take images, conduct mapping or perform other tasks. For example, in the agricultural field, the unmanned helicopter can use the equipped spraying system to spray pesticides or fertilizers; in the military field, it can perform reconnaissance and surveillance tasks.
Landing: After completing the mission, the unmanned helicopter will land safely according to ground instructions or preset landing procedures. The automatic control system will accurately determine the landing location and adjust the angle and speed of the rotor during the landing process to ensure a smooth landing.

◆ Advantages

High maneuverability: Unmanned helicopters have the ability to take off and land vertically and hover, and can operate flexibly in complex terrain and confined spaces.
Remote control: Pilots can operate unmanned helicopters through remote control systems, greatly improving the flexibility and safety of operations.
Multi-tasking capability: Equipped with different sensors and tools, unmanned helicopters can perform a variety of tasks, such as monitoring, reconnaissance, spraying, mapping, etc.
Cost savings: Compared with traditional manned helicopters, unmanned helicopters have lower operating costs and do not require full-time pilots and high flight training costs.

◆ FAQ

How to maintain a drone?
Maintaining a drone requires regular inspection and care. First, make sure the battery stays charged and avoid overcharging or discharging. Clean the fuselage, propellers, and camera regularly to remove dust and debris. Check the propellers for cracks or damage and replace them in time. Calibrate the gyroscope and GPS before flight to ensure stability. After flight, check the battery, motor, and control system to confirm that there are no abnormalities. Update the firmware regularly to ensure the latest performance of the device. In addition, avoid flying in adverse weather conditions to extend the life of the drone.

What is the safe operation guide for Drone?
First, make sure you are familiar with local laws and regulations before flying, and avoid flying in no-fly zones. Maintain line of sight during flight to avoid loss of control or signal. Check the status of components such as batteries, motors, propellers, etc. to ensure that the equipment is in good condition. Avoid strong winds, heavy rain or thunderstorms during flight to ensure stable flight. Comply with flight altitude restrictions to avoid collisions with buildings or people. Calibrate GPS and gyroscopes regularly to ensure accurate navigation. Finally, shut down the drone in time and store it properly after the flight.

How to extend the life of drone batteries?
The key to extending the life of drone batteries is to avoid overcharging and over-discharging. Before each charge, make sure the battery is between 20%-80% and do not wait until the battery is completely exhausted. Use the original charger and avoid using non-compliant charging equipment. Avoid flying in extreme temperatures, especially in overheated or cold environments, as high temperatures will accelerate battery aging. Use the battery regularly and avoid leaving it for too long when not in use. Charge it promptly after the flight to avoid the battery being in a low power state for a long time.

◆ Industry Applications

◆ Company Profile

Jiangsu Legend Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. is a professional UAV industry application solution service provider. Relying on a complete service system and a good cooperation mechanism, it has become a deep partner of DJI industry applications.
Based on DJI industry application series products and relying on the East China UAV base, we build an ecosystem and six centers to provide customers with multi-dimensional and all-round solutions from top-level design to landing services. Help the fields of public security fire protection, power inspection, surveying and mapping infrastructure, urban management, etc., liberate productivity, reshape productivity, and build a link between technology and services.
Since its establishment, Jiangsu Legend Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. has obtained various qualification certificates in the industry, and has become an industry leader through continuous in-depth exploration and exploration of the UAV field. It has established long-term strategic cooperation relationships with government and enterprise units such as Nantong Rudong Environmental Protection Bureau, Nantong Rugao Environmental Protection Bureau, Yancheng Funing State Grid, and Shandong Linyi Urban Management Center. It has continued to grow in solving practical problems, and gradually formed a win-win concept with cutting-edge technology as a technical means and personalized customization as a service purpose, to help the healthy and sustainable development of society. In the future, the company will continue to invest in research and development to increase its comprehensive competitiveness and actively deploy high-tech enterprises.