# Hybrid Propeller Drones This Fixed-Wing Drone Offers Promising Agricultural Applications By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-09-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fixedwing-drones References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/delftacopter-drone-chopper-vtol/45518/) & [mavlab.tudelft.nl](http://mavlab.tudelft.nl/delftacopter-outback-medical-express/) A group of researchers working out of the [Delft University of Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pats-agri-tech) have developed an innovative and high-tech fixed-wing drone, aptly named the delftAcopter, that is designed to bring together the very best advantages of helicopters and conventional airplanes. Specifically, this drone makes use of a propellor system to take off in a vertical manner, but then flies like an airplane. What's more, this fixed-wing drone can carry out [autonomous flights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-x1-pro) thanks to its ability to stay connected to drone pilots via a satellite connection that can be controlled from anywhere on Earth. The drone is fitted with a video camera while object avoidance technologies helps prevent collisions. This autonomous functionality coupled with the drone's high-quality camera system makes it an excellent option for an array of scientific and research applications. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Propeller Drones:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the drone industry by combining the advantages of helicopters and conventional airplanes. - **Autonomous Flights:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in the field of drone technology by enabling drones to carry out autonomous flights. - **Object Avoidance Technologies:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in the field of drone safety by incorporating object avoidance technologies to prevent collisions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Drone Manufacturing:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the drone manufacturing industry by developing hybrid propeller drones. - **Agriculture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in the agricultural sector by utilizing hybrid propeller drones for various applications. - **Scientific Research:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in scientific research by leveraging the autonomous functionality and high-quality camera system of hybrid propeller drones. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [VTOL-Supporting Drone Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-systems.md) - [Triple-Propeller Photography Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-hitop.md) - [Performance-Driven Agricultural Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/agricultural-drone-technology.md) - [Amphibious VTOL Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amphibious-vtol-drones.md) - [Hybrid Racing Camera Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-fpv2.md) - [Incline-Friendly Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-drone.md) - [Rounded Bi-Rotor Ducted Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleo-dronut-x1.md) - [Tilting Delivery Drone Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-concepts.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md)