Classification of UAV Models
The rapid development of drone technology globally has led to a wide variety of drone systems with diverse applications and distinct characteristics. These differences are reflected in their size, weight, range, endurance, flight altitude, flight speed, and mission profiles. Due to this diversity, drones can be classified based on different criteria:

1. By Airframe Configuration
Drones can be categorized into fixed-wing drones, rotary-wing drones, unmanned airships, parafoil drones, and flapping-wing drones.
(1) Fixed-Wing Flight
Similar to traditional aircraft, fixed-wing drones generate lift via fixed wings and airflow. They offer high speeds and long endurance, making them suitable for long-distance missions such as surveying and patrol. However, they require runways for takeoff and landing and cannot hover. Example: Conventional fixed-wing drones.

(2) Rotary-Wing Flight
These drones take off and land vertically using rotating propellers and can hover. They are highly maneuverable and commonly used for photography and delivery missions. However, they have limited speed and endurance. Examples: Multi-rotor drones, helicopter drones.

(3) Hybrid Fixed-Wing/Rotary-Wing (Phased Operation)
These drones use rotary wings for takeoff and landing and switch to fixed-wing mode for cruising. They combine the flexibility of rotary-wing drones with the efficiency of fixed-wing drones, making them ideal for long-endurance missions requiring vertical takeoff and landing. Examples: Tilt-rotor drones, tail-sitter drones, "quadcopter + fixed-wing" hybrid drones.

(4) Hybrid Fixed-Wing/Rotary-Wing (Simultaneous Operation)
These drones utilize both fixed and rotary wings simultaneously, enabling vertical takeoff, hovering, and long-distance flight. They offer enhanced flexibility for complex operational environments. Examples: Lift-wing multi-rotor drones, short-wing "quadcopter + fixed-wing" hybrid drones.

(5) Buoyancy-Based Flight
These drones rely on air buoyancy for flight. Example: Unmanned airships.

(6) Flapping-Wing Flight
These drones mimic bird or insect flight.

2. By Application
Drones can be classified into military and civilian categories.
Military Drones: Reconnaissance drones, decoy drones, electronic countermeasure drones, communication relay drones, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and target drones.

Civilian Drones: Surveillance/inspection drones, agricultural drones, meteorological drones, exploration drones, and surveying/mapping drones.

3. By Weight
Civilian drones are classified into five categories based on weight:
Micro Drones:
Empty weight < 0.25 kg.
Capable of altitude or position holding.
Maximum flight altitude ≤ 50 m, maximum speed ≤ 40 km/h.
Radio equipment must comply with low-power short-range transmission requirements.

Light Drones:
Empty weight ≤ 4 kg, maximum takeoff weight ≤ 7 kg.
Maximum speed ≤ 100 km/h.
Capable of airspace compliance and reliable monitoring.
Excludes micro drones.

Small Drones:
Empty weight ≤ 15 kg or maximum takeoff weight ≤ 25 kg.
Excludes micro and light drones.

Medium Drones:
Maximum takeoff weight > 25 kg but ≤ 150 kg.
Empty weight > 15 kg.

Large Drones:
Maximum takeoff weight > 150 kg.

4. By Operational Radius
Ultra-Short-Range Drones: Operational radius < 15 km.
Short-Range Drones: Operational radius 15–50 km.
Medium-Range Drones: Operational radius 50–200 km.
Long-Range Drones: Operational radius 200–800 km.
Ultra-Long-Range Drones: Operational radius > 800 km.