ELI5: Why has there been a proliferation of drones and why have they become so popular?

Drones, as you know them, have existed for a long time and were being used regularly. Ask anyone who follows the news.

However, the small home quadcopters that you see for personal use , rc aeromodellers have been making them for a long time now, but it has been such a niche hobby. As tech got cheaper, and more advanced it was easier to create, and those quadcopters that once had to be made from completely from scratch, their electronics were now available in modular form. A little while later, kits started showing up.

This is around the time where FPV systems ( First person viewing ; or in other words live video cameras with transmitters on quadcopters became common, as setting up a quadcopter for FPV required quite a different set of skills then aeromodelling ) Started showing up. FPV was the real miracle drug for drones. Everyone, provided they had the skill and knowledge could live out their 007 / feathered fantasies. At this point lithium battery tech became advanced enough to allow for flight for longer periods of time. FPV was possible and had been done on RC planes and helicopters before, but compared to quadcopters/drones they are MUCH more difficult to fly ( especially 6 channel helicopters ) Their different dynamics make it out of reach for anyone except people really into the hobby.

Fast forward a few years and a few companies saw them, understood they could make a pretty penny on those incapable or unwilling to build their own, then it hit the mainstream.

As for why they are liked by people?

Cheaper compared to a rc plane or helictoper

ease of learning and flying, to the point where autopilots for them have already been created but for RC planes and helicopters are bascially nonexistent.

Their dyanmics make it easy to mount loads, this makes fpv setups much easier

The only other aircraft that can hold position in midair, the helicopter is massively less efficient. Hook up the same batteries to a quadcopter and a rc helicopter capable of carrying the same load , the helicopter will last 1/4 the time of the quad. One could argue you could use a nitromethnol or a petrol engine on the helicopter, but the vibration, added maintenance, sky high cost make it a no go for average joes , and people who want a steady image.

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