Advantages of Using a Brushless Motor for Drones & UAVs

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones become increasingly popular, selecting the right components for optimal performance is vital. One such component is the brushless motor, which offers several advantages over traditional brushed motors. This article discusses the efficiency and benefits of brushless motors for UAVs and drones, and how maxon’s UAV drive systems are the ideal solution.

Key Takeaways:

• Brushless motors offer higher efficiency, longer lifespan, reduced heat generation, less noise, and higher torque and RPM than brushed motors for drones & UAVs
• When choosing a brushless motor for a drone, factors to consider include torque, RPM, thrust, motor size and weight, and compatibility.
• For drone racing applications, high torque and high RPM motors are required, which maxon’s BLDC UAV flat motors provide.
• maxon’s UAV drive systems consist of BLDC motors, ESCs, and propellers built for safety and efficiency, and are compatible with a wide range of drone frames.

Brushless Motor vs. Brushed Motor for Drone

Brushless motors offer several advantages over brushed motors for drones, including higher efficiency, longer lifespan, reduced heat generation, and less noise. Brushed motors are less expensive, but they are not as efficient, require more maintenance, and have a shorter lifespan. Less energy is wasted by brushless motors, therefore, resulting in longer flight time. Due to the motors producing less noise and vibration, the flight is smoother and more stable. Brushless motors are capable of producing higher torque and RPM making them ideal for racing drones that require high speed and agility. Furthermore, brushless motors do not have brushes, hence are lighter than their brushed counterparts, which results in a better power-to-weight ratio. Read also Brushless vs Brushed Motors.

How to Choose a Brushless Motor for UAVs & Drones

Choosing the right brushless motor for a UAV or drone is crucial for achieving optimal performance and efficiency. The thrust, torque, RPM, motor size and weight, and compatibility with ESCs and batteries are essential considerations when selecting a brushless motor. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a brushless motor that provides the best performance and efficiency for your application.

• Torque: Torque is the rotational force produced by the motor. The torque output of the motor determines how much weight it can lift and the speed at which it can do so. For applications such as drone racing, high-torque motors are the best to achieve the necessary acceleration and speed.
• RPM: This is the speed at which the motor can rotate its shaft. The RPM output of the motor determines how fast the propellers of the drone can spin. When selecting a brushless motor, consider the RPM output to ensure that it matches the speed requirements of your application. For example, high RPM motors may be required for drone racing to achieve maximum speed.
• Thrust: The weight of the drone and the payload it will be carrying need to be determined. The thrust required for your drone depends on the weight of the drone and the payload. A motor that is too small will not provide enough thrust, while a motor that is too large will consume more power than necessary.
• Motor size & weight: The size and weight of the motor are essential considerations. Motors that are too heavy can affect the flight time and manoeuvrability of the drone. Therefore, it is vital to choose compact and lightweight motors that still provide the necessary performance for your application.

The UAV drive systems we offer from maxon, consist of BLDC motors, ESCs, and propellers built for the utmost safety and efficiency. They provide high thrust, high power density, optimal efficiency and long lifetime. The best feature is that we provide the entire system, which all work together seamlessly.

Best Brushless Motor for Drone Racing

For drone racing applications, high torque and high RPM brushless motors are typically required to achieve the necessary acceleration and speed. When it comes to drone racing, having the right brushless motor is critical to achieving top speed, acceleration, and manoeuvrability. Our portfolio of BLDC UAV flat motors, from maxon, provide excellent performance, extreme durability, maximum reliability, and maximum environmental protection and robustness. This makes them ideal for racing drones.

Brushless Motor Compatibility with Different Drone Frames

When it comes to building a drone, one of the most important factors to consider is the compatibility between the brushless motor and the drone frame. The brushless motor must be able to fit onto the frame and work together efficiently to provide the necessary thrust and lift for the drone to fly.

Fortunately, there are multiple options of BLDC UAV flat motors, from maxon, that we supply. These motors are compatible with a wide range of drone frames, making it easy to find the right motor for your specific needs. The motors are also available as part of motor kits, which include everything you need to build a custom drone from scratch. Additionally, these motors are customisable to suit your needs.

UAV & Drone Motor options:

Product	Thrust	Weight (incl. cable)	Propeller Range
EC 69 flat UAV	Up to 8.4 kg	268 g	20″-24″
EC 87 flat UAV	Up to 9 kg	310 g	26″-30″
ECX 32 flat UAV	Up to 1 kg	48 g	8″-10″

Have you heard about frameless motors? Read more here: Advantages of Frameless Motors