A drone is expensive and fragile, which is why the right packaging is crucial for optimal protection during transport and use. Customised solutions ensure that the drone and accessories remain safe, ready for use and efficiently packaged.
Michel Prins
•5 minutes reading time
•9 October 2024
Just a few years ago a rare sight, nowadays the most normal thing in the world: drones. Although we still often see them as a fun "toy" for hobbyists, drones are increasingly being used for a variety of purposes and activities. These include safety, inspection, film and photography.
The prices of professional drones can be quite high, depending on the functionalities required for a particular application. Transporting such a drone loose or in a simple bag or suitcase obviously poses risks for such a fragile and precious product. So good, appropriate packaging is indispensable. Yet, unfortunately, current drone packaging is often still inadequately tailored to the product, the user and the method of use (application).
In order to develop packaging that is perfectly suited to your drone and application, we always discuss several aspects with you in advance:
Will the drone be transported via air, road or sea freight, or will you take it on a trip manually yourself? What kind of environment and climate will it be used in? Is it important that the case be weatherproof and dust- and waterproof? What is preferred; a compact case in which you transport the drone disassembled or should it always be “ready for action”? What all must the case be able to withstand; drops, bumps, impact?
We lay this and more down in your set of requirements.
The average battery life of a drone can be translated to about 30 flight minutes. Thus, a drone needs several batteries to be active for a day(s). However, we see that many manufacturers make little allowance for extra batteries in their case designs. If you pack a drone in a case with two extra cutouts for batteries, your drone can fly for a maximum of an hour and a half. Perhaps that is enough or you are always near charging facilities. If not, it is wise to think about extra storage space in the design of the package.
Did you know that there are strict regulations on bringing batteries on the plane? So it’s important to know in advance how many batteries you are allowed to take on a trip. This has to do with lithium ion, which falls under hazardous liquids. Read more about safe transportation of lithium-ion batteries here.
The ease of use of drone packaging depends on three factors:
Nowadays, drone cases are becoming larger because manufacturers increasingly choose to package drones in a way that makes them as ready for use as possible: open the case, attach the propellers, and take off.
This results in greater volume and therefore a larger case. However, this conflicts with the desire for a case that is as compact as possible, as a smaller case reduces transport costs and improves user mobility. Naturally, requirements may vary from one user to another.
At Faes, we develop drone packaging for various customers in the defence sector. This experience has taught us that it is not only the drone itself that needs proper protection. Components such as batteries, payloads, control equipment and ground support systems must also be stored and transported safely and logically. We consider the full operational process, from storage and transport to maintenance and the rapid deployment of the system.
Our engineers translate these practical requirements into a suitable packaging solution. Colleagues with a defence background help us assess technical choices from the perspective of real-world use in the field. This allows us to develop more than a standard case: we create packaging that matches the complete drone system, its users and the conditions in which it will be deployed.
Thus, the development of an optimal drone case involves the user’s wants and needs. Therefore, the advice is to think about the design of the case in time, preferably involving a packaging specialist. Early involvement of the manufacturer ensures that the right case can be developed in time, taking into account the wishes of the end user. So start talking to a packaging specialist on time so that your wishes are given optimal consideration in the design of the ideal drone case for you.
Of course, my colleagues and I are happy to help you. Please leave your comment or question in the form below or contact us directly.
Michel Prins
Accountmanager Safety & Security
Michel Prins is Account Manager at Faes and a specialist in Safety & Security. Thanks to his background at the Ministry of Defense and years of experience in the sector, he advises organizations on reliable packaging solutions for critical applications. He combines practical knowledge with technical expertise to package sensitive equipment safely and efficiently.
More articles by Michel PrinsGood packaging doesn’t just happen by chance. Using a tried-and-tested approach, our specialists guide you step by step from the initial idea to the finished product.
