drone racing classes and their specification requirements. After the video, check the description for
links to different leagues and their class requirements. With the drone racing season underway and
the sport rapidly growing, many new pilots are entering league events and races for the
first time.
This brings up many questions about the different racing classes and the specifications required for a drone used in a race. Although there is some variation, races typically fall into several classifications based on the size of the quad, the size of the battery, or both. The first and smallest class is the TINY WHOOP. While regarded as toys by some, the Tiny Whoops are fast, maneuverable, and fun to fly.
Because of their small size and protected
props, they are perfect for indoor events, small venues, and exhibitions. The Tiny Whoop class is generally limited
to a 1-cell LiPo battery and 1 propellers. A step up from the Tiny Whoop is the Micro Class. Micro racing quads typically sport a 2-s LiPo battery and weigh only a handful of ounces.
Props are normally in the 2-3 range. Micros are also great for indoor events and
smaller venues, but still provide exciting racing. The configuration also allows for more custom
modification than a Tiny Whoop. The next level starts bringing us into the
more serious racing classes.
These classes are normally organized by the battery size limit, with classes for 3s, 4s, and even 6s LiPo powered racing quads. There are also often requirements based on the size of the frame as well. Racing Quad frames are measured diagonally from motor to motor. This size will determine the components you can use, such as the size of battery and props.
3S and 4s racing quads will most often have
frames up to 300mm, with props up to 5 or 6. There are also many racing events with Open
Classes. These classes allow you to use any size quad
or battery you choose with few limitations. For example, the MultiGP Leagues Open
Class only limits the weight at 800g, with no limits for the frame and prop size or the
battery type.
The International Drone Racing Association
only requires that your drone is battery powered, rotor propelled, and piloted by FPV, in addition
to having LED lighting installed. In these open class events, there is only
the practical limitation brought by the course layout and the size of the gates, challenging
the pilots to build the best quad to get the job done. The FAI Drone Racing World Cup series has
a single classification for their events. It allows up to a 4s LiPo battery, 330mm frame
size, and 6 propellers.
Limitations include a maximum 15 tilt on
the motors, and a ban on metal propellers and prop guards. Many leagues including the Drone Racing World
Cup now also strongly encourage LED lighting, while some even require it. This is mostly to improve the fan experience, making it easier to see and identify the drones during a race. For the same reason, the pilots callsign
is now often required on their FPV display as well.
Many races will also set requirements for
the video transmitter. In many cases there will be a limitation on
the max output. In MultiGP, Tiny Whoops are limited to 25mW,
Micros at 200mW, and all other classes up to 250mW. For the FAI Drone Racing World Cup events,
the video transmitter is most often determined by the local rules and regulations of the
host country and are set for each event.
Most events and leagues will also require that the frequency can be changed quickly and easily to avoid conflicts with other pilots. There are also a lot of stock racing events
out there, where every pilot uses a drone with the exact same setup. The most famous example right now is the Drone
Racing League, where every pilot uses the exact same drone, just with different colors. Stock races also can pop up to accompany larger
open-class events, and are sometimes sponsored by a racing quad manufacturer.
The IDRA events at the Dutch Comicon and Denver
Internationals both featured stock events, with pilots flying a Vortex 150 at the first
and a UVify Draco at the second. If you want to join a league or enter a race,
make sure to check the quad requirements and limitations first. Most events and leagues will post the information
well in advance of a race, or list the classes and requirements on their websites. Check the description after the video for
links to different leagues and their requirements.
Find a class that suits you and your drone,
or build one to spec and enter a race. Get involved. And have fun! Join us next time as we continue to dive into the world of FPV and drone racing. Have a question or an idea or topic? Comment below or visit us on Facebook at Facebook.Com/Dronucopia Dont' forget to check out our video series "Top-5 FPV Videos of the Week" to view our favorite FPV videos submitted by our users.
Have a video you wish to share? Submit it to our Facebook Group "Drone Racing International FPV".
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