FRAME
Frame serves as the structural foundation, housing and supporting all the essential components like the flight controller, motors, and electronic speed controllers. It plays a crucial role in determining the drone’s size, weight, and overall aerodynamics. The frame also provides mounting points for the arms, where the motors and propellers are attached. The material and design of the frame impact the drone’s durability, agility, and performance. Choosing an appropriate frame is essential for achieving the desired flight characteristics and supporting the specific needs of applications
Size (Props/Rotorbase):
A frame’s size is typically defined by two factors. First, it’s described by the largest propellers it can accommodate, usually measured in inches. Second, it’s identified by the distance between diagonally-opposed motors, measured in millimeters—referred to as the wheelbase or rotorbase
Compatibility:
Ensuring the compatibility of an FPV drone frame is crucial to guarantee seamless integration of components, promoting proper functionality and optimal performance. For example, flight controllers (FC) and electronic speed controllers (ESC) often come in two main mounting types: 20×20 and 30.5×30.5. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these specifications when selecting a frame.
Material
Frame materials commonly used in drone construction include carbon fiber, aluminum, and plastic. Carbon fiber is favored for its lightweight and robust characteristics, making it well-suited for high-performance drones.
Frame Types
- True-X Frame: Arms are of equal length, forming a perfect ‘X’. Provides a symmetric layout, resulting in consistent handling in all directions.
- Stretch X-Frame: A modified X-frame with slightly elongated arms, popular for racing due to its combination of agility and stability.
- Dead Cat Frame: Resembles a dead cat, with front arms extending forward. Primarily used in larger frames for improved camera visibility. The design helps minimize propellers’ view in the FPV feed.
- H-Frame: Resembles the letter ‘H’ from above. Chosen for its simplicity and efficiency, H-frames are popular in racing drones.
- Whoop Frame: A specialized FPV drone designed for cinematic filming. It has ducted fans for safety and maneuverability, and it’s lightweight for agile flight.There are various other types of frames available in the market as well.