If you happen to’re on the lookout for an FPV drone that provides extra than simply gradual, beginner-friendly flights, the HGLRC Draknight RTF (Prepared-to-Fly) bundle may be precisely what you want. It’s among the finest micros I’ve reviewed in 2024. Priced underneath $300, you get virtually every little thing required to start out flying FPV, however you can even buy this 2-inch drone individually and use your personal gear. On this evaluation, I’ll share my expertise with the Draknight, exploring its options, efficiency, and why it stands out amongst newbie FPV drones.
New to FPV? Try my FPV Drone information for rookies: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/
The place to Purchase
The HGLRC Draknight is accessible as a standalone FPV drone or in an RTF equipment that features goggles and a radio. You may get it right here:
The HGLRC Draknight RTF equipment comes with every little thing it’s worthwhile to get began:
- The Draknight 2S drone
- Two 2S 720mAh LiPo batteries
- A easy LiPo charger with storage charging functionality
- A USB-C charging cable
- The HGLRC C1 distant management with built-in 18650 batteries
- A lightweight module bay that helps Crossfire
- A neck strap for the distant
- DM KR FPV goggles with adjustable myopia vary
- Quite a lot of equipment, together with further props and a digital camera mount
Specs
| Draknight Drone | Radio | Simulator Dongle |
|---|---|---|
| Flight controller: SPECTER12 ES2-4S AIO | Radio Hyperlink: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz | Constructed-in ELRS Most supported frequency: 250hz |
| MCU: STM32F411 | Packet price: 250Hz | Receiving distance: greater than 200m |
| GYRO: ICM42688P | Gimbal sensor: potentiometer | Binding technique: Rapidly energy on and off 3 times to enter binding mode |
| Constructed-in receiver: ExpressLRS 2.4G (UART) | Antenna: built-in ipex1 era copper tube antenna | Interface: USB TYPE-C+USB TYPE-A double plug |
| Constructed-in VTX: 0-25-100-400mW (adjustable) | Working voltage: 6-8.4v DC | Working voltage: 5v |
| ESC Present: 12A (15A Burst) | Vary: 500m+ | ELRS firmware improve technique: WIFI or USB plug |
| ESC Protocol: Dshot | TYPE-C for charging and firmware flashing | ELRS firmware model: ELRS 3.0 |
| ESC firmware: (Bluejay) | 3.5MM analog coach port | ELRS Firmware Title: HGLRC 2.4 GHz, HGLRC Hermes 2.4GHz RX |
| FC firmware: HGLRCF411SX1280_15A | Battery: 18650 flat head battery x2 | Exterior receiver assist protocol: solely helps CRSF protocol |
| FC enter voltage: 2S-4S (Lipo) | Charging: TYPE-C charging present 1.2A, The charging time is about 3-4 hours | Weight: 9.5g |
| Mounting gap: 25.5X25.5mm M2 | Distant management channel: 8 channels | Measurement: 74mm x 21mm x 12.5mm |
| Motor: SPECTER 1003 10000kv | Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 | / |
| Propeller: Gemfan2023 propeller | ELRS firmware improve technique: WIFI or TYPE-C USB flash | / |
| Weight: 44.3g | ELRS firmware model: ELRS 3.0 | / |
| / | ELRS firmware identify: DIY gadgets 2.4 GHz DIY ESP32 + E28 2.4GHz TX | / |
| / | Weight: 195g (excluding battery) | / |
| / | Measurement: 160mm x 130mm x 50mm (excluding distant management) | / |
Construct High quality and Design
The very first thing I seen was the sturdy construct high quality of the Draknight. The body feels strong and the design suggests it may well take just a few hits, which is essential for rookies nonetheless studying the controls.
Weighing in at 44g with out battery and outfitted with an included 2S 450mAh LiPo, the Draknight is able to ship some severe efficiency. It’s barely heavier than some opponents, just like the Emax Tinyhawk Freestyle, however the aluminum body provides sturdiness—one thing usually missing in ultra-lightweight drones.
The ten,000KV brushless motors present loads of energy, guaranteeing this drone can deal with every little thing from light cruising to extra aggressive freestyle maneuvers.
Radio
The Draknight could be bought individually, however should you don’t personal any gear, the RTF equipment comes with a radio and FPV goggles, making it excellent for rookies on a good funds. The drone may also be used with different ExpressLRS radios and analog goggles if you resolve to improve your gear, including versatility.
The distant controller is easy, with built-in ELRS (ExpressLRS) assist. It has no display screen, so you possibly can’t change radio settings simply, however I didn’t discover the necessity to change any settings throughout my testing. It’s paired with the drone proper out of the field and will get the job achieved.
The radio is powered by two 18650 batteries and has a game-style design that feels comfy in hand. The vary is nice, you shouldn’t fear about dropping the radio hyperlink earlier than the video sign, which is often the primary vary limitation.
FPV Goggles
Whereas primary, the included FPV goggles present a good viewing expertise. Compact and light-weight, these goggles provide adjustable focus for nearsighted and farsighted customers, although they lack a DVR perform, which is a major disadvantage if you wish to report your flights.
When it comes to consolation and immersion, they aren’t on par with mid to high-end options, however they’re enough for rookies. They’re additionally fairly small, which could work effectively for youthful pilots. Even after upgrading to raised goggles, these can nonetheless be helpful for spectators.
For FPV goggles suggestions, see this put up: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/
With this radio and goggles setup, the vary is healthier than anticipated. I may fly round 300-400 meters away and nonetheless maintained dependable video and radio hyperlinks. Nonetheless, I didn’t push it additional, as dropping it in dense bushes may make it onerous to seek out, particularly because it’s so tiny.
Battery Charger
The equipment features a primary non-smart charger that handles 2S and 3S LiPo/LiHV batteries by way of the steadiness connector. It costs one battery at a time, which might take 20 minutes to half an hour. If in case you have many batteries, you may need to contemplate extra superior choices. However for rookies, this charger will get the job achieved. For battery charger suggestions, see this information: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/
Draknight vs. TinyHawk
When evaluating the Draknight to different FPV drones in its class, just like the Emax Tinyhawk Freestyle, it holds its personal. Whereas the Tinyhawk may be barely lighter, the Draknight gives extra sturdiness and uncooked energy, making it higher suited for many who need to develop extra aggressive flying types. The aluminum high mount and durable development recommend this drone can stand up to frequent crashes. It additionally features a beeper and purposeful LEDs, including to its worth as a flexible, ready-to-fly possibility.
Flight Efficiency
The Draknight is likely one of the finest micro drones I’ve examined in 2024, fingers down.
It’s tremendous clean, agile, and quick, making it best for freestyle flying. The motors and propeller mixture is environment friendly, retaining the motors cool and the battery barely heat after flights, which is a testomony to its high quality construct and tuning.
Regardless of its energy, the Draknight could be very quiet, making it best for flying in native parks with out disturbing others. I used to be capable of obtain round 6 minutes of aggressive flight time with the included 2S 720mAh battery, and as much as 8 minutes with relaxed cruising.
With its sturdy design, attractiveness, built-in LEDs, and a buzzer to assist find it after a crash, the Draknight is a standout micro drone in 2024.
Most important Complaints
Whereas the FPV digital camera is satisfactory, its picture high quality falls brief in comparison with different micros I’ve examined prior to now 12 months. It may gain advantage from a greater digital camera for positive, however this isn’t a dealbreaker.
One other concern is the overly tight motor wires, which may result in them disconnecting from the flight controller throughout flight. This occurred to me, leading to a fast “roll of demise.” The repair is easy—simply unplug the motor wires, unwind the twisted motor wires a few turns, and plug them again in. In the event that they turn out to be too unfastened, safe them to the arms with some material tape.
Setting Up and Flying
Getting began with the Draknight is simple. No binding is important—simply cost the batteries, and also you’re able to fly. The radio is paired with the drone out of the field, with all of the buttons and switches wanted for a whole FPV expertise, together with mode choice (angle, horizon, and acro) and a beeper change for locating your drone after a crash.
For rookies, I like to recommend beginning in angle mode, which retains the drone secure and straightforward to manage. If you happen to want to fly in acro mode, observe in simulators first. The included ELRS dongle permits you to observe on FPV simulators utilizing the radio wirelessly.
Unique Betaflight CLI Diff could be discovered right here.
Conclusion
The HGLRC Draknight RTF bundle is a wonderful selection for these seeking to begin flying freestyle. It gives an ideal steadiness of sturdiness, energy, and flexibility, making it a robust contender within the newbie FPV drone market. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or seeking to develop your expertise, the Draknight gives a strong platform to study and have enjoyable with. Alternatively, if you have already got your personal radio and goggles, the standalone Draknight 2-inch drone can be extremely advisable.
You may get the HGLRC Draknight equipment/quad right here: