Can drones be more silent?

Can drones be more silent?

Can the noise that drones make be reduced?

Can drones be silent?

The noise these devices make is due to the spinning propellers and the operation of the motors, so it is not possible for them to be absolutely silent. However, there is a way to reduce their noise - by equipping them with special aerodynamic propellers for quieter flight.

Why are drones noisy?

When the propellers are spinning and the motors are running, drones make a buzzing sound due to the vibrations. Typically, larger models are noisier, and the closer they fly to us, the more we hear their noise. For now, there is no way to make drones completely silent, and the solution for buyers remains to choose a model that is as quiet as possible and, if possible, equip it with some more aerodynamic propellers.

Why do propellers matter?

As mentioned, the drone's propellers are a major source of noise that can be troublesome if the machine is closer to us. The sound made when the propellers cut through the air is similar to the sound made when you stick your arm out the window while travelling in a car, for example.

The noise level depends on the speed at which the propellers are rotating and their shape. The faster the propellers spin, the louder the sound.

In addition to the speed of the propellers, their size is also important. Larger propellers take up more space and have more resistance to rotation, so they are noisier.

Last but not least, its shape, weight and size determine the noise level of a drone. A larger drone is noisier, and the reason lies in the fact that the propellers are bigger and have to spin faster to keep it in the air.

Overall, we can conclude that the smaller and more compact models are less noisy than the others.

Is it possible that drones will become more noiseless in the future?

NASA is developing a project whose aim is to reduce the noise of drones. Their strategy is to focus on making more and smaller propellers that are quieter. Because of the different speeds at which the individual propellers rotate, the sound can be spread out and so reduce the overall buzzing noise.

To reduce noise in commercial drones, which are mass-marketed, the solution lies in new aerodynamic propellers that let less air through.

DJI is also working hard to provide the optimum option to users - the lowest possible weight, stylish aerodynamic design and a wide range of features.

How noisy are drones?

There are different types on the market, and they can be divided into professional, amateur and mini drones. Usually, hobby drones produce a noise of around 75 decibels in flight, which decreases dramatically as the machine gets further away. It is considered safe for humans to listen to sounds up to 70 decibels. If sounds reach 85 decibels or more, it can cause hearing damage. Of course, we are talking here about exposure to such noises for hours.

Where does drone noise matter?

Noise coming from drones can be an important factor in various areas of human life. In police operations, military forces, the surveillance of different types of animals and when filming movies, there is a need for camera drones to be as quiet as possible.

The police and military often use drones to carry out surveillance where the target needs to be covered but at the same time they should not attract attention. The same is valid for conservationist operations where animal populations need to be monitored. If the drone is too noisy, it may spoil the recording when filming. Drones used for deliveries will also need to be designed to be as quiet as possible. It is therefore sure that this specification will be worked on in the future.

If the noise factor is a major concern for you, we recommend the DJI Mavic 2:

The Mavic 2 is one of DJI's quietest drones. It's designed to optimally increase thrust, reduce power consumption and reduce noise levels. It also features FlightAutonomy low flight noise and safe flying technology.

Its improved airframe provides better aerodynamic drag and allows speeds up to 72km/h. With Mavic 2, you can enjoy 31 minutes of flight time to capture your stunning footage. You can capture 4K video and 48MP photos with it, and its maximum recording range is 8km. The Hyperlight feature allows you to capture amazing footage in low light.

Quiet design

ESC controls with FOS sine and noise-reduced propellers make the drone exceptionally quiet, eliminating any worries about disturbing your environment.

Find out more about the DJI Mavic 2 at COPTER.BG. Check out all of our other offers, too, and contact us if you have any questions.