Sporting a lightweight fixed-wing design, the Parrot Disco offers a very different flight experience than a multi-rotor UAS. Since it only requires one motor and one propeller, the Disco is very efficient in energy usage, yet it can still hit speeds of up to 50 mph (depending on conditions). The fixed-wing design generates lift by-design and controls altitude via ailerons, a simpler operation than varying multiple propeller speeds simultaneously.
While it doesn't require as many sensors as a multi-rotor UAS, the Disco is advanced in its own right. GPS, a high-speed vertical camera, ultrasonic sensor, and a pitot tube speed sensor provide valuable flight data and drive the Dicso's automatic functions such as auto-takeoff, waypoint navigation, and return home.
The nose of the Disco is dominated by a front-facing camera. Combined with 32GB of built-in memory, the Disco can record HD videos, and high-resolution photos. The camera can also stream straight to compatible FPV goggles for a first-person piloting experience. FPV video is streamed in 720p HD for a level of realism not achievable with after-market analog systems.
Since the Disco natively operates on Wi-Fi, it can be controlled just using your smartphone running Parrot's free FreeFlight PRO app. The app displays flight data and enables features such as waypoint navigation. Optional controllers, such as the Skycontroller and Skycontroller 2 enable longer range communication, up to 1.2 miles, and offer more precise maneuvering. Optional RC communication can be installed for pilots wanting complete manual control.