The drone market continues to grow, fragmenting into different specialist markets, from stunt flight to stunning aerial photography, and beyond. However, some people and industries need special and powerful drones. These are often the most expensive drones built for very specific goals. Listed below are five of the most expensive drones you can buy.
5. DJI Mini 2, $632
Okay, so this isn’t one of the most expensive. Yet it is one of the most popular drones on the market, especially for aerial photography. The Mini 2 weighs 8.8 ounces, which is noteworthy because it eliminates the need for FAA registration. It folds up nicely for portability, comes with the company’s tiny controller, and has a range of up to 31 minutes on a single charge.
The Mini 2 supports DJI’s OcuSync 2 wireless technology, strengthening the connection and extending the range to almost 10 kilometers. The Mini 2’s new 4K camera is incredible. It shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and 12-megapixel pictures. The three-axis motorized gimbal guarantees that your shots are smooth and accurate.
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4. XactSense MAX-8, $20,000
The MAX-8 was built from the ground up for surveyors and can create 3D terrain maps (or point clouds) via LiDAR, which is essentially radar with lasers. This commercial drone can lift over 15 pounds of sensor equipment with its eight propellers. It also has a 35-minute flight time, a top speed of 50 mph, and a one-mile range.
Additionally, the MAX features a Sony A6000 24-megapixel camera, enabling the combination of LiDAR and photographic pictures during photo-mapping.
3. Freefly Alta Octocopter, $21,000
The Freefly Alta Octocopter features additional rotors and can carry a payload of up to 20 pounds. The Alta X has more advanced lifting capability than most high-priced drones and is perfect for carrying heavy filming equipment or supplies. It can even carry heavy cameras, such as the RED.
The Alta 8 features eight highly efficient 18-inch propellers that generate incredible lift, providing an optimized propulsion system, while a lightweight carbon fiber frame contributes to creating a technological marvel with unmatched flight time and the ability to carry impressive payloads.
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2. Airborne Drones: Vanguard, $45,000
The Vanguard, a long-running reconnaissance drone, receives a lot of attention for its sleek design, but it is also one of the most expensive drones costing $45,000. It is equipped with a dual-camera system that includes a thermal detection mode and is capable of long-range surveillance such as natural life and game in wide areas.
In addition to filming a 4K video, the Vanguard can stay active for an incredible 94 minutes and provides a 1080p visual feed via a dual reception antenna arrangement.
1. XactSense Titan, $120,000
The XactSense Titan is equipped with an autopilot, which can autonomously cover a range of 10 kilometers, far more than many other commercial drones. The drone can also stay in the air for 30 minutes on a single charge.
XactSense is the world’s sole provider of a comprehensive LIDAR drone mapping solution. Using an inertial and global positioning system the drone can produce high-resolution maps of practically any location.
Whether the goal is surveying, disaster relief, search and rescue, construction, power line inspection, pipeline inspection, bearing post-inspection, mapping, or forestry, the XactSense Titan is the drone of choice.
