Best Gas Powered Drones
After delving into the world of gas-powered drones for consumers, our top pick is the Fly Dragon VTOL Drone. With its impressive engine and remarkable capacity for heavy lifting over long distances, it stands out as the best in the market. Check out our selection of the top 5 gas-powered drones below for more options.
Best Gas Powered Drone: Fly Dragon VTOL Drone
This gas-powered drone is nothing like the consumer level drones. This VTOL-type UAV is one of the most ideal drones to have. It can lift up to 12 lbs while running at a peak speed of 60 mph and even further. While the battery may not be rechargeable, this powerful heavy-lifting drone can last for more than 35 minutes. Take note of the rigid build and crash-resistant design; you can tell that the it will stay with you for a very long time. It is an amazing UAV that you should definitely put on your top tier list if you need a highly reliable unmanned vehicle.
- Long Endurance Fuel Power Fixed Wing...
Best Leisure Gas Powered Drone: GARTT DIY GT500 FBL TT
While it may be noisy and not so portable, the GARTT DIY GT500 FBL TT is incredible for its leisure flights as a helicopter type drone. There is nothing much to say about it except it is cheap and gets the job done when you are feeling bored or you want a long-lasting drone with plenty of fun. It is far from perfect, but it is a toy for the big boys.
- Fits Align Trex 500 perfectly
- offers an excellent power-to-weight...
- high quality tail bearings and tight...
- 90% pre-assembled
- Excellent power-to-weight ratio
Best Heavy-Lifting Gas Powered Drone: Freefly Systems Alta UAV
Should you ever need to carry anything at a maximum of 15 lbs, the Freefly Systems Alta UAV is your ticket out of here. While it may look intimidating to set-up at first, the assembly will not take you longer than 5 minutes thanks to its simple design and easy manual. Besides the heavy lifting, Freefly Systems Alta UAV also includes a sky-view and ground-view camera perspectives to fiddle on. As a plus, the SYNAPSE controller lets you take photos from different angles for those cinematic shots. This is favorable for high-end industrial purposes; just take note that the price is as heavy as its lifting.
- Fast Setup - Unpacks, ready to shoot, in...
- Heavy Payloads - Optimized for up to...
- Sky View and Ground View Configurations...
- Ultra Lightweight Frame - Constructed of...
- Integrated SYNAPSE Flight Controller -...
Best Budget Gas Powered Drone: DJI S1000+
Ironically, the cheapest of the bunch this time is the DJI - specifically the DJI S1000+; a remarkable gas-powered drone that is portable and reliable for carrying payload at a maximum of 4 lbs. Unbelievably, this affordable drone is designed with carbon-fiber which gives it a light build for you to carry around without any difficulties. As with all other DJI’s, the S1000+ is simple enough to use, even for the most inexperienced drone pilot. Furthermore, the assembly will not take you a long time since the design is simple - giving you only a few minutes to set-up. Right on the money, right on the light carrying.
- Large Carrying Capacity, Strong and...
- Removable Upper Center Board
- Highly Portable, with Foldable Arms
- Retractable Landing Gear
- New Power Distribution System
Best Agile Gas Powered Drone: Xcraft RC1-XP1-001-BK Drone
If you prefer a more casual drone than an industrial one, then the Xcraft RC1-XP1-001-BK Drone is right up your alley. The Xcraft is an aerial daredevil that not only does fascinating 3D aerobatics, it even comes with a fancy camera with good stabilization for those money shots. It’s a fun fast-paced drone but it actually feels harder to control than the electric version. People happen to like the gas-powered version more because it happens to feel more “realistic” in a sense that you are flying a mini plane instead of a remote-controlled novelty.
- Flight Speeds Up to 60mph
- Hybrid Design
- Micro DV Camera
- Ready-to-Fly Aircraft
- Battery Life Up to 20 Minutes
Conclusion (What Would I Buy?)
Gas powered drones happen to be more “serious” than the standard consumer drone that you buy for racing and casual purposes. And if you are looking for the best gas powered drone, I highly recommend the Fly Dragon VTOL Drone. If you prefer something just for fun, go with the incredible GARTT DIY GT500 FBL TT. Need something to do a lot of lifting within a short period of time, that is what the Freefly Systems Alta UAV is for. But when you need room for a small budget, the DJI S1000+ is a good choice. Ultimately, when you don’t need one to do chores but rather racing and stunts, the Nitro Stingray is unlike any other.
Gas Powered Drones Buying Guide
Why Gas Over Electric
While electric drones are more popular and friendlier for the environment, there are some that like the gas-powered versions more since they tend to last longer and can do heavier lifting than electric types. Yes, they are indeed prone to flames but not if they are made with the utmost care by well-known brands. Obviously, gas drones consume more resources easier but they aren’t used for hobbies most of the time. They are louder, they heat faster and they are heavier. At the same time, there is a good uniqueness about them; like miniature military helicopters or a lower version of the military UAVs. They are more heavy-duty compared to other pro drones for business.
Lifting
A lot of gas-powered drones are made for lifting and it all depends on what kind of items you are carrying around. As such, the more payload a drone can carry, the more expensive it is. However, there are some that are made for light carrying such as the DJI S1000+.
Build
Gas-powered drones are always stronger than electric-powered types and are not susceptible to EMP surges. As long as you are buying from a trusted source, you wouldn’t need to worry about the lifespan of the drone or the crash resistance.
Price
As mentioned, the heavier it can lift, the pricier.
Gas Powered Drone FAQ
Yes, as long as they are built by a trusted brand. They are not dangerous at all; it is just that it consumes more energy and the batteries are not rechargeable for the most part. Even if it crashes, you shouldn’t be worrying about explosions (unless, of course, someone shot it in mid-air).
Not every gas drone includes recharging batteries since they are always powered with - you guessed it - gas. The problem with having to deal with a gas drone is that you will have to refuel every after 35 minutes. The biggest advantage it has over electric is that refueling takes a shorter time to do than recharging.
Nope, not at all. In fact, only those with a drone license can use a gas drone because of how complex they can be. If you need an easy drone to use, I highly recommend getting a simple electric type instead, such as those commonly found on Amazon. They're not like real estate or roof inspection drones but rather for serious heavy-lifting.
Since they aren’t targeted to the common consumers but rather for industrial purposes and hobby purists, gas powered drones are at least $1000 up to around $10000. This is because gas drones tend to have more complex features and exclusive components over common drones.
