Sep. 08, 2025
The popularity of commercial drones has been steadily increasing over the past few years. From high-resolution cameras to logistics and transportation, drone technology has evolved to the point where it is no longer a fragile camera that cannot raise payload items.
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Heavy lift drones are large drones with the ability to carry and operate 10 pounds and more of heavy payloads used to transport cargo, packages, food, medical supplies, etc. These drones are not only designed to lift cargo and materials but also heavy-duty cameras used for photography and videography.
If you are looking for such a heavy-duty drone that can carry weight or things, you are just on the right page. Below, we review the best heavy lifting drones in the market. We'll also look at how a heavy payload drone works and how much weight a drone can carry.
Asking how much weight a drone can carry is like asking how fast a car can go. The short answer is that how much a drone can carry depends on the type of UAV and the purposes for which it is designed.
The function of amateur drones is not to carry extra loads, but to take pictures and help beginners learn the basics of flying. They can usually only hold 500g, or even less than 100g in some cases.
Heavy lifting drones are different in that they are specifically designed to carry weight, such as those used for drone delivery. The technology behind these is quite impressive, and they can generally handle payloads of 20 kg to 220 kg. Some drones have the ability to carry more than 50% of their original weight as an additional payload.
Many companies have identified commercial and military applications for heavy payload drones and are taking advantage of the opportunity to use drones for multiple purposes to effectively manage their workflows.
Engineering companies can make good use of heavy-duty drones carrying high-quality cameras, which they can use for in-depth projects such as maintenance inspections, transmission cables, and oil pipelines. A drone in construction can also help engineers perform various critical activities such as airport planning and road maintenance, making efficiency exponentially higher.
Drone delivery is one of the fastest-growing and most popular applications of drones. Cargo drones are being used to deliver medical and healthcare supplies such as medicines, blood, and vaccines. Heavy lift delivery drones can also deliver goods and mail to remote communities, which is both faster and cheaper than transitional transportation methods.
Farmers can reap multiple benefits from heavy-lift agricultural drones, which they can use for spraying fertilizer or pesticide. Using this technology to perform these time-consuming tasks can help farmers save significant amounts of overhead and time.
Heavy lift drones are also used for emergency response, which can bring food, fuel, water, supplies, medicine, communications, and even electricity to areas hard hit by natural or man-made disasters - and can do so faster and more efficiently than any other platform.
Military heavy lift drones have improved military capabilities around the world in many ways; they are used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and transporting materials such as explosives and heavy weapons. They can also deliver equipment to areas that are too dangerous for manned flight, such as resupply in frontline areas, and casualty evacuation.
The average heavy payload drone is made up of three important parts. Below is a list of the parts that make up a heavy lift drone and what they do:
Taking off with heavy weight is not an easy task. The heavy lift drone motors must generate a lot of upward propulsion. Generally, larger and heavier drones use brushless motors because they can carry the extra weight of the electronics. In addition to this, innovative counter-rotating drone motors are becoming popular, offering greater thrust and higher efficiency than standard single-rotating motors.
Constructed of carbon fiber, which is lighter than plastic, the propellers of heavy-duty drones provide better flight performance. Typically, heavy lift multi-rotors have greater than four propellers, their longer blades give the stability and balance needed, and the smaller pitch easily carries the extra weight associated with the longer blades.
Gimbals for heavy-duty UAVs are designed to accommodate a wide range of cameras, sensors, and payloads, providing stable footage for numerous industrial applications, such as mapping and surveys. With the gimbal attachment, the concern that the pilot must keep the drone stable while flying is eliminated because the gimbal's sophisticated technology allows for an almost completely automated process. There is no need to worry about the drone's lens wobbling.
Before purchasing a heavy lift drone, it is important to consider the features and functions that the drone has to ensure that it will do its job.
The first thing you need to consider before buying a drone is "why should I buy it?" because this will determine how you use the drone and whether it needs to carry additional cameras or sensors.
Since you will be using these types of drones to lift objects, you must consider the battery life that will allow you to stay in the air for longer. If a drone can carry 20 kg but can only stay in the air for 5 minutes, it is useless because it can't even reach the set destination.
We recommend buying a drone with a built-in camera, but not every drone is equipped with one. You need to be aware of the mechanism you will use to allow the drone to carry a payload. Can it be carried with a traditional connection, or will you need to customize a solution for your specific situation?
Another key factor is whether the price of the drone fits your budget. Drones range from entry-level to high-end drones, with all the bells and whistles. Before spending any money, you need to think about the drone model and features you really need.
Engineered with a hexacopter design, the PH-20's prowess lies in its ability to effortlessly carry payloads up to 20 pounds, making it an ideal carrier for high-quality LiDAR equipment. Its impressive 70-minute maximum flight time and swift 18m/s maximum flight speed allow you to cover vast areas with unparalleled agility.
Crafted from a blend of aluminum alloy and high-performance composite materials, this LiDAR drone seamlessly integrates an intelligent flight system, a triple redundancy IMU, and adaptive controls for ultimate precision. Its onboard microcomputer effortlessly manages a diverse array of data types.
Additionally, fail-safe measures provide an extra layer of security, including automatic return in cases of data link loss or low voltage. Featuring obstacle avoidance radar, IP55 protection, a wind resistance rating of 8, and an impressive maximum altitude of 4,500 meters, the PH-20 thrives in the face of challenging environments.
As a very versatile and efficient VTOL fixed-wing drone, JOUAV CW-30E is one of the most effective autonomous security drones on the market. The CW-30E features a flight time of 400 minutes, a maximum flight speed of 90 km/h, and a transmission distance of up to 200 km.
With the built-in MG-170E dual EO/IR gimbal camera, the CW-30E can perform AI automatic identification, tracking, and positioning of people and objects, and transmit real-time video to the command center. This thermal drone has been widely used in border patrol, emergency response, energy inspection, fire fighting, search and rescue, etc.
The CW-30E large drone with a camera is very easy to use thanks to a fantastic autopilot system and excellent obstacle avoidance system that allow the device to take off capture data, and land on its own.
With an impressive lifting capacity of 35 lbs (15 kg),Freefly Alta X redefines what's possible in cinematography. Whether you're aiming to capture breathtaking landscapes, dynamic action sequences, or intricate aerial shots, the Alta X empowers your creative vision like never before. Its robust design and cutting-edge engineering ensure stability and precision, even when carrying heavy camera setups, making it the go-to choice for professional filmmakers who demand unparalleled performance.
Equipped with a remarkable flight time of 20 minutes, the Alta X doesn't just stop at lifting capacity – it combines endurance with power. Thanks to its adaptable design, flight time can vary based on payload and environmental conditions, providing flexibility for a range of shooting scenarios. With a top speed of 95 km/h, you can effortlessly track fast-paced subjects, achieving stunning cinematic sequences that were once thought impossible.
Key specs:
The CW-80E can stay afloat for more than 840 minutes at a maximum speed of 135 km/h. With a payload capacity of up to 25 kg, the long range drone allows the flexibility to carry large high-end sensors, such as hyperspectral and bathymetric LiDARs, and SAR radar for large-area surveys.
Combined with the RTK and PPK modules, this big drone with camera not only provides highly accurate data but also ensures that you get the maximum possible coverage. In addition, the CW-80E RTK drone completes its mission completely autonomously from takeoff to landing, even out of communication range.
The CW-80E drone is equipped with built-in software, FlightSurv, for easy management of data acquisition. This intuitive application allows you to automate your UAV flight planning, data acquisition, and image transmission. In addition, it helps you create detailed and accurate 2D and 3D visualizations.
The DJI FlyCart 30, boasting a maximum payload of 30 kg, 18 minutes of flight time with dual batteries, and a delivery range of 16 km at a top speed of 20 m/s, provides a dependable and efficient solution for aerial deliveries. Its robust design enables the drone to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments.
Designed to meet diverse delivery needs, this heavy payload drone supports two payload configurations: cargo mode and winch mode. The winch system facilitates safe deliveries in areas lacking a secure landing site, ensuring precise and controlled drops with intelligent payload sensing.
Equipped with advanced technologies such as DJI O3 transmission, 4G enhanced transmission, and an FPV gimbal camera, the FlyCart 30 ensures clear and stable live feeds in various operational scenarios. Additional features like dual-operator mode, front and rear active phased array radars, a dual binocular vision system, and multi-directional obstacle sensing enhance safety and operational capabilities.
Key specs:
The average cost of a large drone is over $48,000, depending on the configuration required. Yep, they are so expensive! The batteries alone to run such a heavy drone are very expensive. Not to mention, they require expensive power-hungry motors to spin the large propellers that provide enough thrust to overcome gravity.
Yes, certain large commercial drones can lift and carry a person, like Ehang 184 and GRIFF Aviation 300. Their lifting capacity depends on the power, dead weight, type of propeller, and the number of motors.
In the past, the batteries were too heavy to carry enough energy to create enough lift to get off the ground. The motors were not efficient enough to convert enough power to the blades. However, with the development of brushless motors, LiPO batteries, and gas powered drones these conditions have changed.
Nowadays, many giant drones can lift more than 400 lbs, which means they can easily lift a person as well.
According to the FAA Small Drone Rule Part 107, for drones weighing more than 250 grams, you need a license or permit, even if your drone is just for fun.
It depends on what the large drone is designed for. Delivery and passenger drones generally have a range from 500- km. But efficient surveillance drones needs need a range of 10-150 km, and for mapping drones a range of 4-8 km is sufficient.
Today’s heavy-lift UAVs can carry weighty cargo, multiple passengers, and even small vehicles. Drones capable of lifting nearly 500 lbs can transport materials, equipment, and goods across large distances and diverse terrain.
These heavy-lift drones are changing logistics, medical, transportation, and agricultural industries. Drones are no longer just for photography, as they can now carry heavy payloads essential for key market sectors.
Let’s explore the future of transport and how leading innovators are harnessing the power of heavy-lift UAVs.
Heavy-lift drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) specifically designed to carry substantial weights beyond the capacity of standard drones.
These drones typically have payload capacities ranging from 11 lbs (5 kg) to over 441 lbs (200 kg), and are used in industrial and other commercial applications.
Payload capacities of 11 lbs (5 kg) to 44 lbs (20 kg) are typically suitable for carrying professional cameras, small packages, or surveying equipment.
Meanwhile, those capable of carrying 45 lbs (20.5 kg) to 110 lbs (50 kg) payloads are Ideal for agricultural spraying, larger delivery items, and specialized sensors.
Heavy-lift drones capable of carrying over 440 lbs (200 kg) offer incredible options for transporting heavy equipment, small vehicles, and even human passengers.
These UAVs feature innovative features, such as robust frames made from carbon fiber or aluminum alloys and powerful propulsion systems with multiple rotors for increased stability.
Many also offer advanced flight control systems for precise maneuvering, obstacle avoidance, range, and landing precision.
The Norwegian brand GRIFF produces the heaviest-lifting drone. GRIFF Aviation offers a modular design with its 300 series, tailored with impressive customizable payload options. Yet, it is not easily available. Interested pilots have to contact GRIFF Aviation for a special order. Pricing is listed at around $250,000.
Maximum Payload: 496 lbs (227 kg).
Flight Time: 30-45 minutes of flight, depending on payload.
Range: 9 miles (15 km) .
Top Speed: 37 mph (60 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: GRIFF’s 300 model is best suited for heavy equipment transport, where operations can move large machinery or construction materials to remote locations or over rough terrain.
Search and rescue missions are also a key use case scenario, as the GRIFF 300 can lift medical and other equipment. It is also a major asset for disaster relief operations.
EHang calls the EH216-S a “pilotless passenger-carrying electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.” It was awarded the world’s first certificate for single-passenger eVTOL from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). However, the high price tag of $410,000 may be quite a barrier for many firms.
Maximum Payload: 485 lbs (220 kgs), capable of carrying up to two passengers.
Flight Time: 21 minutes (Fully Loaded).
Range: 22 miles (35 km).
Top Speed: 81 mph (130 km/h), with cruising speed of 62 mph (100 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: The EH216-S is best suited for urban air mobility, including air taxi services that will help reduce traffic congestion on the streets. The drone is also ideal for travel across waterways and island regions, making it a great option for aerial tourism.
The EH216-S is also key in emergency medical transportation, offering a rapid response for patient transfer or organ delivery operations.
There is even a version specifically for urban firefighting applications, the EH216-F, which provides strategic water distribution to fires in high-rise buildings. It can carry up to 40 gallons (150 liters) of water and is remotely dispatched for autonomous firefighting.
The JOUAV CW-80E offers a unique fixed-wing design with five propellers. Still, it comes with a high price tag of $150,000.
Maximum Payload: 55 lbs (25 kg).
Flight Time: 600 minutes, ranging around 8-10 hours.
Range: 62 miles (100 km).
Top Speed: 74.5 mph (120 km/h) with a cruising speed of 55.9 mph (90 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: This is a great option for long-distance logistics, surveillance operations, and disaster relief efforts. Its long range is unmatched in the industry.
DJI is known for its intelligent flight modes, and the FlyCart 30 is no different. The DJI FlyCart 30 has impressive cargo and winch modes, with versatile payload configurations for different delivery needs.
Winch mode works with a retractable cable that is controlled both manually and automatically. DJI FlyCart 30 automatically adjusts its altitude to minimize the swing of the cargo on the cable.
Fully equipped, the FlyCart 30 is priced around $35,000.
Maximum Payload: 66 lbs (30kg).
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Flight Time: 18 minutes (Fully Loaded).
Range: 17.3 miles (28 KM) without a payload and 9.9 miles (16 km) with a full payload.
Top Speed: 44.7 mph (71.9 km/h), with a cruising speed of 33.5 mph (53.9 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: This is a heavy hitter for logistics and delivery applications. It offers efficient transportation of goods in urban and rural areas.
It also shines in agricultural supply transport, delivering supplies directly to farms or fields.
Like the DJI FlyCart 30, the Draganfly Heavy Lift Drone has a modular payload design that makes it easy to switch between equipment. The drone can even combine multiple payloads to mix delivery systems and sensor combinations. The unit is priced starting at $55,495.
Maximum Payload: 66 lbs (30 kg).
Flight Time: 18 minutes (Fully Loaded), 55 minutes (Unloaded).
Range: 18.65 miles (30 km).
Top Speed: 49.2 mph (64.69 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: This is a great option for aerial delivery applications, such as transporting goods to remote locations.
It is also well-suited for emergency response and disaster relief, such as supplying essential items during times of crisis. Its Blue UAS Certification keeps these sensitive operations secure.
Freefly’s Alta X can carry camera equipment, sensors, and mapping gear. It has an innovative modular and folding design that allows for easy transportation and quick deployment. The Alta X is affordable compared to some other options on this list, starting at $26,000.
Maximum Payload: 35 lbs (16 kg).
Flight Time: 50 minutes of flight time with no payload, 30 minutes with the 11 lb Phoenix LiDar sensor, and 22 minutes of flight time with the 22 lb Mōvi CARBON Panasonic BS1H camera mounted on a 5-axis gimbal.
Range: 5,000 feet (1.5 km).
Top Speed: 60 mph (95 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: The Freefly Alta X is designed to carry camera equipment as its main payload. As such, it is well-suited for cinematography and aerial photography for high-quality film production.
It also serves industrial inspections with ease, accessing hard-to-reach areas with specialized equipment.
Additionally, it is often used in agricultural, mapping, and medical supply delivery applications.
The T-Drones M offers a payload capacity of 11 lbs (5kg). T-Motors’ option is also the most affordable on our heavy hitters’ list, being between $3,699 and $5,098.
Maximum Payload: 11 lbs (5 kg).
Flight Time: 68 minutes (Unloaded).
Range: 18.6 miles (30 km).
Top Speed: 33.5 mph (53.9 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: The M is great for surveying and mapping, as it can cover large areas without frequent battery changes.
It is also impressive for agricultural monitoring applications, collecting data over extensive farmland.
The final option on our list is the Matternet M2. Purchase options start at $7,500, and leasing options start at $1,000.
Maximum Payload: 4.4 lbs (2 kg).
Flight Time: 15 to 30 minutes of flight time, depending on payload.
Range: 12.4 miles (20 km).
Top Speed: 35.8 mph (57.6 km/h).
Unique Features:
Best For: Matternet’s M2 is the top option for delivery services like UPS. Its lower price and functionality make it a great fit for last-mile delivery logistics.
Heavy-lift drones are typically used in last-mile delivery, which is essentially the final leg of the delivery process when items are delivered to the consumer’s doorstep. Drones reduce delivery times by bypassing ground traffic.
Such drones also lower operational costs compared to traditional delivery methods.
A study published in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment found significant cost savings when using drones in delivery services. Drone deliveries typically see costs of around $1.23 per delivery, which is a stark difference from the $5.33 cost of deliveries conducted by electric vehicles.
There is also less energy used in drone deliveries. Timothy R. Gulden from Rand conducted research on the energy savings seen in drone delivery systems. The study found that transitioning even just 20% of deliveries from vehicles to drones would result in a savings of 5.7% of the “overall energy used.”
Companies employing such drones do so under a Part 107 Certification.
According to the FAA’s Advisory Circular 107- 2A, “Part 107 permits transportation of property by small unmanned aircraft for compensation or hire.
These operations must be conducted within a confined area and in compliance with the operating restrictions of part 107. When transporting property, the transport must occur wholly within the bounds of a single State.” (AC 107-2A, Chapter 5, Section 15).
Today, top logistics companies like Amazon and UPS are exploring drone delivery systems. Amazon’s Prime Air first got FAA approval in , when it received an Air Carrier Certificate. Amazon received further FAA approval in to expand BVLOS operations using its own onboard detect-and-avoid technology.
UPS’ Flight Forward also received Part 135 Certification, allowing its drones to fly BVLOS. Its fleet consists of Matternet’s M2.
Walmart’s Wing Drone Delivery is also making headway in gaining FAA approval. Yet, the program has not received permanent certification for BVLOS operations, limiting its scalability.
With their long ranges, these drones can also reach remote areas and provide essential services to isolated communities. Drones capable of carrying heavy payloads can greatly help disaster relief operations by offering a rapid assessment of damage and identification of survivors.
They can also deliver critical supplies when traditional routes are impassable, ensuring that much-needed medical supplies and resources are delivered to rural areas hit by disaster, such as mountainous regions.
For example, drones provided a critical delivery lifeline for the rural communities hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The FAA granted temporary BVLOS approval for Wing, Walmart’s drone delivery program, which served as a lifeline to rural communities isolated in the hurricane’s aftermath.
Medical supply delivery is another key application that will benefit from more heavy-lift drone use. This includes operations like transporting life-saving medications, vaccines, or equipment. Deliveries of vaccines via drones were also critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center implemented a pilot drone delivery program to ensure medical deliveries to rural Georgia regions. They found that drone delivery was an efficient way to deliver medications to rural homes.
They can also support telemedicine by delivering diagnostic tools. One example is the drone deployment of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in emergencies.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, researchers in North Carolina are testing the drone delivery of AED systems following emergency 911 calls.
AEDs arrive between 5 and 8 minutes after the 911 call, which is often much faster than how quickly first responders can get to emergency scenes. The devices are lowered by a tether to 911 callers to administer in cases of cardiac arrest.
Drones have also played an active role in the delivery of humanitarian aid in remote areas or regions experiencing conflict. There is the example of Critical Care by Air in Africa that provides medical supplies and humanitarian aid via drone deliveries.
The FAA allows the use of large drones in “Agricultural survey and spraying, Aerial photography, Land survey and inspection, Inspection of structures, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.” (AIM, Chapter 11, Section 3).
Industrial inspections often require heavy sensors and other equipment. With the increasing payload capacities of heavy-lift drones, it is much more feasible to carry LiDAR scanners, thermal cameras, or other specialized tools. This makes it more efficient in inspecting infrastructure like bridges, pipelines, and wind turbines.
Such inspections minimize the need for human workers in hazardous locations. Heavy-lift drones have been used in mining operations, where drones can inspect the integrity of tunnel walls with complex sensors and surveying equipment.
Drones can extrapolate detailed data with high-resolution sensors. This also reduces downtime by performing inspections without halting operations.
Heavy-lift drones help increase efficiency in the agricultural spraying of fertilizers and pesticides. Many options have the ability to carry heavier tanks or multiple types of agrichemicals.
Moreover, precision application reduces waste and environmental impact, while less frequent refills increase operational efficiency.
Drones can also work to increase the efficiency of seeding by dispersing seeds over large or difficult terrain. Carrying advanced sensors allows crop monitoring for plant health analysis and terrain mapping.
It is important to note that according to the FAA, “Civil agricultural spraying operations will also require a 14 CFR Part 137 certificate; see paragraph 11-4-5, Airspace Access for 14 CFR Part 135 and 14 CFR Part 137.” (AIM, Chapter 11, Section 3).
As technology advances, so will increases in payload capacities. We will also likely see the development of stronger, lighter materials like advanced composites. Improvements in motor and propeller efficiency will increase payload capacity and range.
There is also great potential in innovations in battery technologies. With greater adoption of hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid power systems, drones will see enhanced battery density, leading to longer flight times.
Continuing innovations in artificial intelligence will advance the autonomous capabilities of drones in the heavy-lifting category. More advanced AI models will lead to smarter drones capable of complex decision-making and adaptable intelligent flight operations.
Many expect innovations in fleet operations as well, with swarm communications to coordinate large-scale operations.
First, it is important to review the current FAA regulations that apply to heavy-lift drone operations. All drone operators in this category must have Part 107 certification, which is applicable for drones under 55 lbs to fly in commercial applications.
Additionally, many use cases will need a Part 135 Certification, which regulates aircraft used in commercial applications, including drone delivery applications.
As these drones will be involved with the delivery of goods, they are considered air carriers under FAA rules. Part 135 Certification unlocks greater capabilities than Part 107 flight operations.
There is also Part 91, which regulates specifically for applications like agricultural spraying activities. This regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, such as pesticides.
Evolving regulations will continue to shape how drone delivery and heavy-lifting operations will play out in the future.
The FAA is currently developing an Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system for more efficient airspace integration. This is essentially an air traffic control system for drones that will focus on coordinating large-scale operations in crowded low-altitude environments, like urban areas.
The program may require additional steps in operations, such as requirements for communicating a drone’s location and flight path.
Yet, doing so will offer enhanced collision avoidance technologies to support large-scale operations like delivery services in mixed airspace.
Heavy-lift drones are rapidly advancing, offering solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and accessibility across various industries.
Understanding the capabilities and applications of these drones can help organizations leverage technology for competitive advantage.
Heavy-lift drones can benefit delivery and logistics for companies in a wide variety of industries. It may be beneficial to explore partnerships with drone manufacturers or service providers to expand your delivery and logistics operations to new heights—literally.
As technology continues to evolve, heavy-lift drones will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of logistics, emergency response, and beyond, proving that the sky is not the limit but just the beginning.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Industrial Drone Winch. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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