The coming industrial drone complex is going to decide on classes, categories, or sizes of drones - unless we come up with them first, support them, use the terms in our communications, spread them, etc.
There are such classes as "450" (mm), 1000mm, etc. these are not quite good enough, and definitely not sexy enough! We need this to get popular if not viral, and what we call things will make a very big difference where that is concerned.
Here are my suggestions:
MOST IMPORTANT! - We need to stop referencing the size or measurement of a drone according to engine-to-engine, frame, or anything like that. The size of a drone must include all parts, especially the propellers, except for things like antennas. The size of a drone MUST be (Or will be) based upon its necessary CLEARANCE, or what minimum size area it can fit through and land on, for safety concerns if nothing else.
This will not only be far more useful in many ways, but will also avoid a lot of possible confusion, especially for those not very familiar with drones.
The particular particulars and specific numbers for these standards are up and open for debate and change...
CLASS 1: Small hobby drones/toys: Fairly obvious.
CLASS 2: Sport/ Small Racing class: Under 10 pounds, 500mm or less; Capable of 100mph or more; This would cover upto the the larger drone copters we have today.
CLASS 3: Heavy Aerobatic: Under 30 pounds, less than 1500/2000mm, with small or no payload, but possibly heavy with on-board electronics or gadgetry. capability; Must be capable of minimum 20 minutes flight time, and minimum speed of 100mph. Designed and built for speed, maneuverability, and likely some kind of special purpose, if only for true, serious stunt flying. Half or more of the ideal payload is used for a strong frame, large engines, power, and on-board gadgetry of whatever sort, etc.
CLASS 4: "Dreadnought": Any drone which is heavier than 30 pounds, and greater than 1500mm engine to engine (existing standard) or 2000mm clearance including props (my suggested standard) The FAA has so far classed private drones as being under 55 (52?) pounds, but this class must exist, as larger drones are inevitable.
CLASS 5: "Carrier": Under 55 (52?) pounds, less than 3000mm, must be capable of lifting at least 10 pounds payload and flying with it for at least 1 mile, for at least 10 minutes. (Keep in mind this is based on us taking things to the next level, not what is practical or common now.) *This class must also be assumed to be able to carry other drones on/with it, or for mid-air/in-flight battery exchange/refueling, and for recovery of other non-functioning/crashed/etc. drones.
STANDARDS: Lights/markings: NOTE: This should probably not apply to the smaller classes of drones, such as Sport/Open class. Otherwise, where entrepreneurial and delivery type drones are concerned, It is inevitable that the FAA will require some kind of lights such as airplanes have. They may require the same format, or something different due to the distinct nature of drones. Otherwise, we can set the standards.
The use of Electroluminescent wire would both increase the safety factor and make a drone look much cooler. These could potentially be any colors, but for certain drones, bright, fluorescent orange, yellow and red, along with flashing clusters of red and yellow LEDs could not be missed, and should satisfy any concern for safety where lights are concerned.
Colors/markings: Painting drones of whatever type with bright/fluorescent/irridescent colors would both make them look cool, and help the visibility and safety factors in various ways, as is already the case. A 'Carrier' drone for delivery or industrial use might be best with the standard industrial reflective white, yellow, orange, or red.
If we sit back and do not get together about some basic standards, they WILL most likely be set FOR us. Is that what we want?
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