The 13 Biggest Drone Launches of 2024
BY Zacc Dukowitz
23 December 20242024 was a huge year for drone product launches.
DJI released four drones, BRINC launched its Responder drone just one year after launching the LEMUR 2, and Anzu Robotics came out with the Raptor, a drone based on the DJI Mavic 3’s design made via a licensing agreement between the two companies.
Here are the top 13 drone launches of the year.
1. DJI’s Avata 2
The DJI Avata 2 is the second iteration of DJI’s popular cinewhoop drone made for flying in tight spaces for up-close fly throughs and cinematic FPV shots. Building on the success of the original Avata, the Avata 2 comes with enhanced features aimed at improving flight control, image quality, and overall user experience.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. 22 minutes.
- Transmission range. 12 miles.
- Weight. .9 pounds (410 grams).
- Camera resolution. 4K at 60fps, 155° ultra-wide field of view.
- Stabilization. RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady.
- Obstacle detection. Improved downward sensors for safer flights.
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2. Autel’s Alpha
The Autel Alpha is Autel’s first drone designed specifically for enterprise applications like industrial inspections, mapping, and surveillance.
Engineered for high performance, the Alpha comes with an array of advanced features, including state-of-the-art imaging systems, robust build quality, and extended flight endurance.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. 55 minutes.
- Transmission range. 12 miles.
- Payload capacity. Compatible with multiple payloads, including thermal and LiDAR sensors.
- Camera resolution. 8K video capabilities and 50MP stills.
- Weather protection. IP65, built to withstand rain and harsh conditions.
- Obstacle avoidance. 360° omnidirectional sensing for safe navigation.
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3. ZeroZero Robotics’ HoverAir X1 Pro
The HoverAir X1 Pro is one of the best selfie drones on the market, offering advanced features in a compact, user-friendly design.
Built for both pro creators and casual users, the X1 Pro combines portability with cutting-edge technology, enabling smooth, high-quality captures with minimal effort.
In the X1 Pro, HoverAir refined the X1 to cater to drone pilots looking for a simple but capable drone for aerial video and stills, focusing on intuitive controls and seamless integration with your smartphone.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. 12 minutes.
- Weight. .27 pounds (125 grams)—ultralight and portable.
- Camera resolution. 2.7K video and 12MP still images.
- Intelligent flight modes. Auto-follow, orbit, and custom flight paths.
- Ease of use. One-tap controls via a dedicated app for instant selfies and videos.
- Safety features. Built-in propeller guards for safe indoor use.
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4. DJI’s Neo
Like the X1 Pro, the DJI Neo is also a selfie drone—and the first that DJI has ever released.
The Neo has several autonomous features and modes, making it a great option for people not so interested in flying as they are in getting aerial shots for social media, or just for fun.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. Up to 22 minutes.
- Max speed. 87 mph, making it one of the fastest DJI drones available.
- Camera resolution. 4K/60fps with stabilization for smooth, cinematic video.
- Transmission range. 10 km with low-latency digital FPV feed.
- Weight. Lightweight frame for enhanced agility in tight spaces.
- Flight modes. Manual, Sport, and Normal for a versatile piloting experience.
- Safety features. Emergency stop, customizable geofencing, and low-battery return-to-home.
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5. Voliro’s T5
Swiss-based Voliro is one of the top companies making high-end inspection drones today.
The Voliro T5, which came out a few months back, is the company’s latest iteration of their flagship inspection drone. Made specifically for industrial inspection and maintenance tasks, the T5 can carry five different inspection payloads for unique types of inspections, including ultrasonic testing and wall thickness measurements, making it one of the most robust drones for industrial inspections on the market.
The T5’s unique design allows it to operate in challenging environments, such as inspecting vertical surfaces or hard-to-reach infrastructure—watch the video to see how it can hover in place while collecting inspection data.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. Up to 30 minutes, depending on payload.
- Payload capacity. Modular payload system supports sensors and tools for industrial tasks.
- Unique feature. Capable of performing contact-based inspections on surfaces like walls, tanks, and pipelines.
- Camera resolution. High-resolution RGB cameras for visual inspections.
- Operational environment. Optimized for both indoor and outdoor use, even in GPS-denied areas.
- Control range. 3 miles.
- Safety features. Redundant systems for enhanced operational reliability.
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6. BRINC’s Responder DFR Drone
The BRINC Responder Drone is purpose-built for emergency response and disaster scenarios, offering unmatched capabilities in critical, time-sensitive situations.
Designed with input from first responders, the Responder drone was made with DFR programs in mind. It can provide real-time situational awareness via live video and data streams to command centers, helping emergency teams make informed decisions in real time.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. Up to 45 minutes, ensuring extended mission capability.
- Deployment time. Ready for operation in under 30 seconds.
- Camera system. Equipped with low-light and thermal cameras for night operations and enhanced visibility.
- Connectivity. Operates over LTE networks for seamless real-time communication.
- Payload compatibility. Supports a variety of payloads, including gas sensors and loudspeakers.
- Range. Operates within a 3 mile radius with ultra-low latency video streaming.
- Durability. Designed to withstand challenging conditions, including high winds and rain.
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7. DJI’s Air 3S
The DJI Air 3S is the latest addition to DJI’s popular Air series, offering a perfect balance of portability and advanced features. With a focus on aerial photography and videography, the Air 3S brings upgrades in camera capabilities, flight performance, and intelligent features, making it a top choice for both hobbyists and professionals.
As a successor to the Air 3, the Air 3S introduces dual-camera systems, improved battery life, and enhanced safety features, catering to those who demand high-quality content creation in a compact form factor.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. Up to 46 minutes, providing extended operation for photography and videography.
- Camera system. Dual-camera setup featuring a wide-angle lens and a 3x telephoto zoom lens, both capable of 4K video.
- Transmission range. 7.5 miles.
- Obstacle avoidance. Omnidirectional obstacle sensing for enhanced safety.
- Max flight speed. 47 mph, ensuring quick maneuverability.
- Intelligent flight modes. Includes MasterShots, Hyperlapse, and FocusTrack for creative control.
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8. Anzu Robotics’ Raptor
Credit: Anzu Robotics
The Raptor from Anzu Robotics is an industrial drone built from the DJI Mavic 3 design via a licensing agreement between the two companies. One key difference between the two drones is that the Raptor is not made in China—it’s manufactured in Malaysia, and Anzu Robotics is headquartered in the U.S.
With its robust construction, advanced AI-driven analytics, and payload flexibility—and the fact that it’s not made in China, which could be appealing to government clients or others with concerns about drones made there—the Raptor could see widespread adoption in the next few years.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. Up to 45 minutes.
- Payload capacity. 2 pounds (915 grams).
- AI integration. Advanced analytics for real-time data processing and fault detection.
- Deployment time. Under 2 minutes, ensuring rapid response capabilities.
- Range. 9.3 miles.
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9. ACSL’s SOTEN Drone
Credit: ACSL
The SOTEN drone by Japan-based ACSL is a compact, high-performance UAV designed with advanced imaging and data-capturing capabilities.
Built for professional applications, the SOTEN is particularly notable for its modular payload system, which lets you switch between RGB, multispectral, and thermal sensors. The SOTEN’s lightweight construction and cutting-edge sensor integrations make it a solid option for surveying, inspections, and public safety operations.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. Up to 35 minutes, suitable for medium-duration missions.
- Weight. 3.8 pounds.
- Payload system. Modular payload with RGB camera, multispectral sensors, and thermal imaging.
- Weather resistance. IP43 rating for operation in light rain and dusty conditions.
- Transmission range. 4.3 miles.
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11. Skyfish’s Osprey
Credit: Skyfish
The Osprey is an American-made, NDAA-compliant drone purpose-built for precision inspections and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations.
It’s lightweight and designed to meet the needs of industries requiring high-accuracy mapping and data collection, such as utilities, telecommunications, and defense.
Specs & Features
- Flight time. Up to 45 minutes, enabling extended missions without frequent battery swaps.
- Weight. Lightweight design for easy deployment and enhanced portability.
- Payload capacity. Supports high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, and other advanced sensors for precision data collection.
- Navigation. Advanced GPS and GNSS systems for highly accurate positioning.
- Compliance. NDAA-compliant.
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12. ModalAI’s Starling 2 Max
Credit: ModalAI
The Starling 2 Max by ModalAI is a next-generation development drone built for high-performance industrial and research applications. This drone is part of ModalAI’s mission to provide versatile tools for developers, featuring an open-source PX4 autopilot and powerful on-board processing capabilities for real-time data analysis.
The Starling 2 Max is NDAA-compliant, making it a good option for applications in government, defense, and enterprise operations. Its cutting-edge computing platform is designed to facilitate advanced autonomy and AI-powered functionality.
Specs & Features
- Processing power. Integrated VOXL 2 platform for advanced AI and autonomy, capable of real-time edge computing.
- Weight. Lightweight yet durable construction for seamless deployment.
- Compliance. NDAA-compliant, ensuring secure use in sensitive operations.
- Software. Open-source PX4 autopilot with compatibility for custom integrations.
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13. DJI’s Mini 4K
Credit: DJI
The Mini 4K is a super-small, user-friendly drone designed for both hobbyists and professionals.
Building on the success of its predecessors, the Mini 4K delivers high-quality visuals and advanced flight capabilities in a lightweight and portable design. With its powerful 4K camera and intelligent flight features, the Mini 4K is ideal for travel, aerial photography, and recreational flying.
Specs & Features
- Camera. 4K resolution with 3-axis stabilization for smooth, high-quality footage.
- Flight time. Up to 31 minutes on a single charge.
- Transmission range. 6.2 miles.
- Weight. Under 249 grams, making it exempt from FAA registration requirements.
- Intelligent flight modes. Includes QuickShots, ActiveTrack, and Return-to-Home for ease of use.
