What is the best drone on the Market?

Fortnight of 10/19-10/26

Drones

Which one is the best?

       In today's world, drones have come a very long way. Whether they be used for filming blockbuster movies, aiding in search and rescue missions, or providing entertainment for a consumer, drones can be found everywhere. This has created a demand for the small flying devices, and many consumers are looking for drones that will not only have the correct and necessary functions, but drones that also fit withing the buyer's preferred price range. This article will review some of the best drones, and hopefully provide enough background information to aid in the process of purchasing a drone. 

       Before moving onto the reviews of the drones, it is important that the most important aspects of drones are reviewed. One of the main aspects of a drone is the ability and ease of flying the drone, and how it fares in the air. This includes how fast the drone travels and whether it can remain stable while in flight. In addition to flying capability, another sought after component of drones is their portability. Drones can be tough to carry around, especially those that are large and priced astronomically high. Therefore, many buyers seek a drone that can fold or easily be carried from location to location. Lastly, one of the most important factors that influence many buyers in their drone buying process is price and practicality. The price of the drone can range from $50 to, in some cases, $30,000 and higher. Therefore, as buyers are interested in getting the best bang for their buck, price is a major interest in the aspects of a drone. Ease of operation and user interface, parts of practicality in drones also are important to new drone buyers looking for a product to meet their skills of flying drones. In the following, three drones will be evaluated from the different parts of a spectrum. The first, on one extreme of the spectrum, a drone that is pricey, but containing plenty of features. Second, a drone that is cheap, but requires some sacrifices. Lastly, a drone will be presented that meets in the middle, and falls at the center of the spectrum.

DJI Inspire 2

        Before beginning, it is important to understand that this drone is mainly used in professional space. The DJI inspire 2 is priced from $3000-$6000, and is one of the best drones on the market. The DJI Inspire 2 is the second in its series and only improves on its forerunner. The DJI inspire 2 has some of the best video quality found on a drone. The image and video processing system in the DJI is able create recording at a 6K resolution, at 30 frames per second. The camera on the drone is interchangeable, enabling the buyer to choose a device that will suit him or her the best. The drone also contains obstacle avoidance systems and sensors that function in obstacle avoidance both vertically and horizontally. The drone also contains state-of-the-art stabilizing features, and a return to home function In addition to a powerful camera and built in convenience features, the Inspire 2 also has specified flight modes that are able to assist a flyer in meeting their needs. The flight modes are mainly directed at focusing on moving objects, and providing clear and accurate images for filming. Lastly, the DJI Inspire contains a powerful and long-lasting battery. The drone has a 25 minute flying time, which is top of the line for a drone. The drone can also reach speeds of up to 58 miles per hour, and accelerate from 0-50 MPH in five seconds. The battery also provides for an heating system enabling the drone to fly in cold conditions. In conclusion, this drone is definitely a great pick for someone looking to dish out a Hollywood movie. It contains the best of the best technology, but the price tag will make the eyes of many pop out. 

MJX Bugs 3

       The MJX Bugs 3 is one of the best budget drones for sale. The price, which ranges from $75 to about $150, is extremely competitive, and provides new buyers or budget consumers an option to a a great drone for a low price. Firstly, the MJX Bugs 3 is very user friendly. It contains features that allow almost anyone to fly. The drone contains GPS functions that give the flyer a general locations of where the drone is, a return to home function, a low battery alarm, and simple remote control. The drone also provides the ability input popular cameras such as the GoPro and Xiaomi action recorders. It has an 18 minute flight time, which for its price, is extremely good. The drone's motor is brushless, meaning it will have the ability to last very long. Unfortunately, the MJX Bugs 3 does not come with a camera, and the user will have to purchase or already own a recording device separately from the drone. To summarize, the MJX Bugs 3 is a great drone for a beginner, or someone looking for a decent budget drone.

DJI Mavic Air

       The DJI Mavic air is a drone, that pricewise and featurewise meets in between the two previously mentioned drones the Mavic Air, rated number one on techradar's 2018 drone reviews, is priced at around $800. The Mavic Air probably is top of line in portability. It is a foldable drone that can fit into a jacket pocket, while not sacrificing video quality or technology. Even the remote control has the ability to fold. The Mavic Air has a powerful video processing software, recording 4K at 60 frames per second. The Mavic has a cutting edge camera, with the ability to record high quality panoramic images. The drone permits its user to pre-program flight paths to perform amazing and crowd pleasing tricks. It travels at a speed of up to 68 miles per hour, and enabling users to take the lightweight drone zooming through the skies. The Mavic, in flight, can focus on up to 16 objects at a time, and contains technology that can quickly focus in on a specific area. The Mavic also contains a strong obstacle avoidance system to make flying safe. Sadly, the flight time for the DJI Mavic Air maxes out at about 21 minutes or lower. For its price, this is not what buyers would have been hoping for. But, in summary, the Mavic Air provides an excellent middle ground for an amateur buyer looking for a recreational or powerful filming drone. 

       In the end, it is plain to see that depending on a user's needs and budget, the type of drone and price can vary. These three drones provided some base information about what to expect on each extreme of the the drone spectrum. It is important to remember that drones cannot be flown anywhere, due to airspace restrictions, and that even the simplest require practice to fly. But, regardless of their use, drones are very important modern day tools. 

Bugs MX3

DJI Inspire 2

DJI Mavic Air

Sources of Information:
https://www.dji.com/inspire-2?site=brandsite&from=nav
http://www.mjxrc.net/goodshow/bugs-3-pro.html
https://www.dji.com/mavic-air?site=brandsite&from=nav

Mclaren Senna- Road legal track car

+-Fortnight of 10/5-10/12

Mclaren Senna

Road Legal Track Car

          The Mclaren Senna. The ultimate track machine created by the renowned British Automaker and motorsports champion, Mclaren. Mclaren began with Bruce Mclaren, an engineer and excellent driver who formed Mclaren through racing in F1. Since then, Mclaren has succeeded in Formula One, taking 15 out 16 Grand Prix wins in the 1988 season, creating some of the fastest race cars in the series, and hiring big names such as Lewis Hamilton and the famous Aryton Senna himself. After 50 years of racing, Mclaren began to make road cars that have challenged and pushed competitors, and have provided excellent results on the track as well as on the road. In the following, the latest Mclaren masterpiece, the Senna, will be reviewed in three categories: design, performance, and practicality.

      The Mclaren Senna definitely takes first prize on design. The sleek curves and aggressive headlights of the car mix with thoughtfully positioned air intake vents. The triple exhausts are packed into the rear of the car add a modern flair. The doors open butterfly style, and they even have a glass glazing on them. Light floods in and the driver is given a clear, nearly 360 degree view of their surroundings. These touches make the car not only look modern, but also expensive. Carbon fiber, a common material in modern day car manufacturing is one of the most sought out for aspects in a high performance vehicle, considering that the material is extremely lightweight. The entire body of the Senna is made from carbon fiber with excellent results on the racetrack. In the interior of the car, one will find carbon fiber almost everywhere, with a central console to open doors and windows found in an easy to access area on the roof. The steering wheel has no buttons and is plain and simple, allowing the driver to receive excellent feedback from the car on the road and track alike. The driver and passenger bucket seats are, as the rest of the car, extremely lightweight, and provide ample space for racing wear and helmets. The Senna even includes options for a hydrating system to allow a racer to drink during an endurance race.

      Performance was one of Mclaren's main goals when creating the Senna. Their aim was to make one of the highest performing road cars out there, and they definitely succeeded, The Mclaren Senna, according to Mclaren automotive, produces over 1700 pounds of downforce, weighs about 2600 pounds, and produces an unbelievable 789 horsepower. Mclaren also says that the engine of the Senna is the most powerful Mclaren engine they have ever created. It has two superchargers and an advanced air intake system. Mclaren also claims the Mclaren Senna has "the fastest lap times of any road legal Mclaren to date." The brakes on the Mclaren are carbon ceramic discs that are based off of those used by cars in the F1 racing series. The Mclaren Senna, while running these brakes, was able to come to a stop from about 60 MPH in about 100 feet. The F1 inspired gearbox allows for quick gear changes, and the launch control technology (computer program that assists drive when drag racing) allows for excellent starts and great acceleration times. The Mclaren Senna went from 0-60 MPH in 2.8 seconds, a time rivaling some of the most famous hypercars. The tires on the Mclaren provide meet the needs of track racing and are also legal for use on the road.

     The Mclaren Senna, for someone looking to buy a hypercar, is extremely practical. It is a mixture of a racetrack monster and a highway cruiser. It has many aspects of design innovation, and is extemely lightweight.The design and engineering team at Mclaren have outdone themselves trying to reduce weight in this car. Even some lightweight paint was specially created for the Mclaren Senna, the paint being a color only found on the Senna. The designers, even though they had met the requirements for weight, were able to bring the total load of the car down by five percent. The Mclaren Senna also has its downsides. When the developers were creating this car, they sacrificed many important luxuries of a car that one would be surprised to find missing. Air conditioning and an audio system are not included in the main model of the car, they come as options. Also, there is not much space in the cabin. The Mclaren Senna, the ultimate road legal track car, is priced at about one million dollars. If you are in the market to buy a hypercar, than the Senna falls to the lower end of the price spectrum. Also, Mclaren is only making 500 of these machines, so the car becomes a collector's item.

      When all is said and done, it is plain to see that the Mclaren Senna is built for racing. The car has shown excellent performance in a straight line as well as on the racetrack, and the specifications about the engine and aerodynamics of the car prove that so. It is also road legal, so one can take it out for a friendly neighborhood drive, or a cruise on the highway. It is a true beauty, a delight to see racing, or even just standing still. There it is, the Mclaren Senna. The top of the line road legal track car.















Statistics and specifications courtesy Mclaren Automotive
http://cars.mclaren.com/home
Image courtesy Road and Track
https://www.roadandtrack.com/