How to choose a fixed-wing UAV.
Wingspan, payload & endurance.
Choose the airframe that matches your payload, not the other way around. Start from the sensor you need to carry, then pick the wingspan and power system that lift it for the endurance you require.
Step 1: Start with your payload
The payload — camera, LiDAR scanner, EO/IR gimbal or other sensor — drives every other decision. Write down its weight and size first. The airframe's internal equipment bay must physically fit the sensor, and the rated payload capacity should exceed your sensor weight with comfortable margin. A good rule of thumb is to keep your payload at or below roughly 60–70% of the rated capacity so the aircraft retains performance margin in wind and at altitude.
Step 2: Match wingspan to the job
Wingspan determines how much lift the airframe generates, which sets the practical payload ceiling, and it also affects portability and launch logistics. Larger spans fly heavier payloads and handle wind better; smaller spans are lighter, cheaper and easier to transport.
- 2000–2600 mm — light sensors, portable field work, quick deployment. Example: GAUTEN UAV Mosquito SM200G (2000 mm, 10 kg payload, 10-hour endurance) and the SRV260 / SRH260 (2600 mm, 4 kg).
- 2900–3600 mm — the workhorse class for mapping, photogrammetry and LiDAR with multi-kilogram payloads. Examples: the 2900 mm fiberglass platform (5 kg), SGV322 (3220 mm, 6 kg), and SKYS360 / SKY36 (3600 mm, 8 kg, up to 6 hours).
- 4500–6050 mm — heavy-payload, long-endurance industrial missions. Examples: GAUTEN UAV Binary (4500 mm, 8–10 kg) and SG605 Giant Eye (6050 mm, 70 kg, 6–8 hours).
Step 3: Check endurance against the mission
Endurance is a trade-off with payload and fuel or battery. More payload or higher speed means shorter flight time. Ask how long the aircraft must stay airborne to cover the survey area or hold a watch position, then check the platform's endurance at your payload weight.
- Up to 10 hours — GAUTEN UAV Mosquito SM200G.
- 6–8 hours — SG605 Giant Eye (6–8 hours) and SKYS360 / SV360 (up to 6 hours).
Long-endurance engine platforms carry an internal fuel capacity of up to 8 L, which enables multi-hour missions. If your endurance target is below roughly two hours and the payload is light, an electric motor version of the same airframe is usually simpler and quieter to operate.
Step 4: Frame material — carbon fiber or fiberglass
Carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer for the same strength, which directly improves endurance and payload efficiency. GAUTEN UAV's SKYS360, SGV322 and SKY36 platforms use full carbon fiber airframes with empty-frame weights around 15 kg at the 3600 mm class. Fiberglass is more cost-effective and still strong — the 2900 mm and Binary 4500 mm platforms are fiberglass. Choose carbon fiber for long-endurance or high-performance missions; choose fiberglass when initial cost is the priority.
Step 5: Tail configuration — V-tail or H-tail
V-tail uses two slanted surfaces for both pitch and yaw, saving weight and drag. H-tail uses a conventional horizontal stabilizer with twin vertical fins, offering stable handling and simple field assembly. GAUTEN UAV offers both — for example the SRV260 (V-tail), SRH260 (H-tail), and both V-tail and H-tail versions of the SKY36.
GAUTEN UAV fixed-wing platforms compared
| Platform | Wingspan | Payload | Endurance | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosquito SM200G | 2000 mm | 10 kg | 10 hours | Folding wing |
| SRV260 / SRH260 | 2600 mm | 4 kg | Confirm with sales | Carbon fiber |
| 2900 mm platform | 2900 mm | 5 kg | Confirm with sales | Fiberglass |
| SGV322 | 3220 mm | 6 kg | Confirm with sales | Carbon fiber |
| SKYS360 / SKY36 | 3600 mm | 8 kg | Up to 6 hours | Carbon fiber |
| Binary | 4500 mm | 8–10 kg | Confirm with sales | Fiberglass |
| SG605 Giant Eye | 6050 mm | 70 kg | 6–8 hours | PNP |
Some endurance figures are listed as "confirm with sales" on the product pages because they depend on payload, speed and configuration. Contact us for a figure at your specific payload.
Frequently asked questions
What wingspan fixed-wing drone do I need?
Match wingspan to your payload and endurance needs. 2000–2600mm suits light sensors and portable work, 2900–3600mm suits multi-kg mapping and LiDAR, and 4500–6050mm suits heavy-payload, long-endurance missions.
How much payload can a fixed-wing drone carry?
GAUTEN UAV fixed-wing platforms carry from 4kg (2600mm class) up to 70kg (6050mm Giant Eye). Always leave margin between your sensor weight and the rated capacity.
Carbon fiber or fiberglass airframe — which is better?
Carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer, improving endurance and payload efficiency. Fiberglass is more cost-effective. Choose carbon fiber for high-performance missions, fiberglass for budget-conscious work.
What is the difference between a V-tail and an H-tail fixed-wing drone?
A V-tail uses two slanted surfaces, saving weight and drag. An H-tail uses a conventional stabilizer and twin fins, giving stable handling and easy assembly. Both are available across GAUTEN UAV platforms.
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