Thermal Drones: The Top Infrared Drones on the Market and More [New for 2024]
BY Isabella Lee
3 July 2024A thermal drone—also called infrared drones—is any drone that carries a thermal camera. The thermal camera could come with the drone as part of an off-the-shelf package or it could be a special payload from a third party that’s attached to the drone.
Credit: Skydio
Thermal drones allow drone pilots to detect heat signatures from objects, people, and animals, which are invisible to the naked eye by making those signatures visible. This data can be useful for a range of applications, including inspections, search and rescue, and agriculture, just to name a few.
The practice of using a thermal drone is called aerial thermography, and there is a lot of work right now for drone pilots with infrared drone technology. Just having the technology to collect thermal data by air can get you work, but it’s even better if you know how to interpret thermal images to provide reporting.
Here’s everything we cover in this guide to thermal drones:
- What Is a Thermal Drone?
- Best Thermal Drones on the Market [New for 2024]
- Best Thermal Cameras for Drones
- What Are Thermal Drones Used For?
- How Much Does a Thermal Drone Cost?
- Aerial Thermography Jobs
What Is a Thermal Drone?
Thermal drones have advanced in quality significantly over the last few years.
These days, there are several high-quality thermal drones on the market at approachable price points. And the thermal data they collect is getting better and better, allowing a host of industries to collect high-quality data to inform their work.
How Thermal Drones Work
Thermal drones operate by capturing infrared radiation emitted by objects or living creatures, including people. All objects emit infrared radiation as a function of their temperature.
The thermal camera on the drone detects this radiation and converts it into an image, called a thermogram, which shows temperature variations.
Thermal drones offer a significant advantage in numerous fields due to their ability to visualize temperature differences accurately and efficiently. When choosing a thermal drone, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your application to select the right model and features.
Here are the key elements of any infrared drone:
- Thermal sensors. From a data collection perspective, the core component of a thermal drone is its thermal sensor, which captures infrared radiation. High-quality sensors offer better resolution and temperature sensitivity.
- Image processing. Thermal cameras process the infrared radiation they capture into a visual image that represents temperature differences, allowing us to “see” these temperatures. Warmer areas appear as brighter spots, while cooler areas are darker (as you can see in the image on the left below).
- Integration with drone systems. The thermal camera is integrated with the drone’s navigation and control systems, allowing for real-time data transmission and analysis. This integration enables the drone to be used for a variety of applications, such as inspections, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.
Credit: Parrot
Key Factors in Choosing a Thermal Drone
Here are the main factors you should keep in mind when looking for a thermal drone:
- Thermal camera resolution. Higher resolution cameras provide more detailed thermal images, which are crucial for applications requiring precise temperature measurements. For example, a 640×512 resolution is common in high-end models, offering clear and detailed thermal imagery.
- Frame rate. The frame rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the thermal camera captures an image. Higher frame rates (e.g., 30 Hz) are good for applications involving fast-moving objects or real-time analysis.
- Flight time. Depending on the application, longer flight times may be necessary. Some thermal drones can fly for up to 55 minutes on a single charge, which is ideal for extensive inspections or search operations.
- Payload capacity. The drone’s ability to carry additional sensors or cameras can enhance its functionality. For example, a drone capable of carrying both a thermal camera and an RGB camera can provide comprehensive data for a variety of applications.
- Durability and weather resistance. Industrial applications often require drones that can withstand harsh environments. Features like an IP rating (e.g., IP45 or higher) indicate the drone’s resistance to dust and water.
- Integration with software. Many thermal drones come with proprietary software for data analysis. Features like radiometric data (providing temperature readings for each pixel) can be crucial for detailed inspections and reporting.
- Cost. Thermal drones range widely in price, from a few thousand dollars for basic models to tens of thousands for high-end drones with advanced features. Consider your budget and the specific needs of your application when making a decision. Note on this: we have a section below on how much thermal drones cost, which shares a range of price points.
Best Thermal Drones on the Market [New for 2024]
Thermal drones have evolved significantly over the last five to six years, offering advanced capabilities for a wide range of applications.
Here are the top five thermal drones on the market for 2024, featuring cutting-edge technology and high-performance thermal cameras.
1. Skydio X2E
The Skydio X2E is an advanced thermal drone designed for enterprise applications. It offers robust autonomous flight capabilities and high-resolution thermal imaging, making it ideal for public safety, defense, and infrastructure inspection.
Specs and Features
- Thermal camera. 320×256 resolution, FLIR Boson sensor.
- Visual camera. 12 MP with 4K HDR video.
- Flight time. Up to 35 minutes.
- Transmission range. 3.7 miles (6 km).
- Autonomy. Skydio Autonomy Enterprise, obstacle avoidance in complex environments.
- Durability. IP54 rating for weather resistance.
Learn more about the Skydio X2E.
2. FLIR SIRAS
The FLIR SIRAS is a versatile, rugged drone designed specifically for professional applications that require thermal imaging. It combines advanced thermal and visual imaging capabilities, making it ideal for tasks such as inspection, public safety, and search and rescue operations.
Specs and Features
- Thermal camera. 640×512 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate, FLIR Boson sensor.
- Visual camera. 16 MP with 4K video recording.
- Flight time. Up to 31 minutes.
- Transmission range. 3.1 miles (5 km).
- Durability. IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, designed to operate in harsh environments.
- Advanced features. Radiometric thermal imaging for precise temperature measurements, dual-camera system for simultaneous thermal and visual imaging.
Learn more about the FLIR SIRAS.
3. Parrot Anafi Thermal
The Parrot Anafi Thermal is an infrared drone made specifically for professional aerial thermography, combining a high-resolution visual camera with a thermal imaging sensor. Its lightweight and portable design make it suitable for quick deployment in various scenarios, including building inspections, firefighting, and wildlife monitoring.
Specs and Features
- Thermal camera. 160×120 resolution, 9 Hz refresh rate.
- Visual camera. 21 MP with 4K HDR video.
- Flight time. Up to 26 minutes.
- Transmission range. 2.5 miles (4 km).
Learn more about the Parrot Anafi Thermal.
4. Autel Robotics EVO II Dual 640T
The Autel EVO II Dual 640T is another infrared drone made specifically for aerial thermography. It comes with high-resolution thermal imaging and an 8K visual camera, and it’s made for applications like firefighting, law enforcement, and industrial inspections, providing detailed thermal and visual data.
Specs and Features
- Thermal camera. 640×512 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate.
- Visual camera. 8K resolution.
- Flight time. Up to 38 minutes.
- Transmission range. 5.6 miles (9 km).
- Durability. Rugged design with high wind resistance.
Learn more about the EVO II Dual 640T.
5. DJI Mavic 3T
The DJI Mavic 3T is a versatile thermal drone made for thermal imaging and high-resolution visual capture. Its compact design and powerful capabilities make it ideal for various applications, including search and rescue, inspection, and environmental monitoring.
Specs and Features
- Thermal camera. 640×512 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate.
- Visual camera. 20 MP 4/3 CMOS sensor.
- Flight time. Up to 45 minutes.
- Transmission range. 9.3 miles (15 km).
- Advanced features: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 5.0.
Learn more about the Mavic 3T.
Best Thermal Cameras for Drones
As we mentioned in the opening to this guide, some drones come with thermal cameras and some drones can be outfitted with them.
Some experienced aerial thermographers prefer to seek out the best thermal camera that’s drone-compatible, and attach it to their preferred UAV.
And that means a guide to thermal drones wouldn’t be complete without a list not only of the top infrared drones on the market, but also a list of thermal cameras that can be used with drones—here’s our list of the top 5.
1. FLIR Vue Pro R
Credit: FLIR
The FLIR Vue Pro R is one of the most popular thermal cameras for drones, known for its high-resolution imaging and radiometric capabilities. It captures precise temperature data, making it ideal for professional applications like inspections, firefighting, and search and rescue.
Specs and Features
- Resolution. 640×512 or 336×256, depending on the model.
- Radiometric data. Provides temperature data for every pixel.
- Lens options. Multiple lens options (9 mm, 13 mm, 19 mm) for different fields of view.
- Drone compatibility. Integrates easily with most drone platforms, including DJI Matrice models.
Learn more about the FLIR Vue Pro R.
2. DJI Zenmuse H20T
Credit: DJI
The DJI Zenmuse H20T is a powerful thermal camera designed for the DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone. It features a quad-sensor system that includes a high-resolution thermal camera, making it suitable for complex and demanding operations.
Specs and Features
- Thermal resolution. 640×512.
- Additional sensors. 20 MP zoom camera, 12 MP wide camera, and laser rangefinder.
- Advanced features. AI Spot-Check, PinPoint, and Smart Track.
- Drone compatibility. Seamlessly integrates with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and other Matrice drones, like the M300.
Learn more about the DJI Zenmuse H20T.
3. FLIR Duo Pro R
Credit: FLIR
The FLIR Duo Pro R combines thermal imaging with a high-definition visual camera, offering versatile imaging capabilities for professional applications. This dual-sensor camera is suitable for a wide range of missions, including mapping, inspections, and surveillance.
Specs and Features
- Thermal resolution. 640×512 or 336×256.
- Visual resolution. 4K color video.
- Radiometric data. Radiometric thermal imaging for precise temperature readings.
- GPS integration. Built-in GPS for geotagging images.
- Drone compatibility. Integrates easily with most drone platforms, including DJI Matrice models.
Learn more about the FLIR Duo Pro R.
4. Workswell WIRIS Pro
Credit: Workswell WIRIS
The Workswell WIRIS Pro is a high-performance thermal camera designed for industrial inspections and scientific research. It offers advanced thermal and visual imaging capabilities, making it a versatile tool for professionals.
Specs and Features
- Thermal resolution. 640×512.
- Visual resolution. Full HD camera.
- Radiometric accuracy. High precision in temperature measurement.
- Drone compatibility. Integrates with several drone platforms, including the DJI Matrice 300 and 350.
Learn more about the Workswell WIRIS Pro.
5. Teledyne FLIR Vue TZ20-R
Credit: FLIR
The Teledyne FLIR Vue TZ20-R is a dual thermal camera payload designed for drones. It features two Boson thermal cameras with a continuous zoom capability, providing detailed thermal imaging for a variety of applications.
Specs and Features
- Thermal resolution. Dual 640×512.
- Zoom capability. 20x continuous zoom.
- Radiometric data. Radiometric thermal imaging for precise temperature measurement.
- Drone compatibility. Integrates easily with most drone platforms, including DJI Matrice models.
Learn more about the Teledyne FLIR Vue TZ20-R.
What Are Thermal Drones Used For?
Thermal drones can be used in a big range of applications across multiple industries, helping companies improve both efficiency and safety in the workplace.
Here’s a list of the top 13 applications where infrared drones are being used these days, with top use cases listed for each one.
1. Archaeological Surveys
In archaeology, thermal drones are used to identify subsurface structures and artifacts. Thermal imaging can reveal differences in ground temperature caused by buried structures, helping archaeologists pinpoint excavation sites without intrusive methods.
Top Use Cases
- Identifying ancient structures and artifacts below the surface.
- Mapping excavation sites for archaeological digs.
- Monitoring and preserving heritage sites.
2. Agriculture
In agriculture, thermal drones help farmers monitor crop health by detecting variations in temperature and moisture levels. These drones can identify areas of a field that need irrigation, fertilization, or pest control, leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices.
Top Use Cases
- Detecting irrigation needs by identifying dry patches in fields.
- Monitoring crop health and spotting diseases or pest infestations early.
- Assessing the effectiveness of agricultural treatments.
Credit: Texas A&M
3. Disaster Response and Recovery
Thermal drones play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts. They can quickly assess the extent of damage, locate survivors, and provide real-time data to emergency responders, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster management.
Top Use Cases
- Assessing damage after natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes.
- Locating survivors in collapsed structures or debris.
- Providing real-time situational awareness to emergency response teams.
4. Environmental Monitoring
Thermal drones are used in environmental monitoring to track changes in ecosystems, monitor pollution, and assess the impact of human activities. These drones provide valuable data for environmental protection and management.
Top Use Cases
- Monitoring water temperatures in rivers and lakes to assess ecological health.
- Detecting pollution sources and tracking their spread.
- Assessing the impact of deforestation and land-use changes.
5. Firefighting and Hazard Assessment
Firefighting teams use thermal drones to detect hotspots in burning structures and wildfires. Firefighting drones provide real-time data on fire spread, helping firefighters strategize their response and prevent further damage.
Top Use Cases
- Identifying hotspots in buildings and wildfires.
- Monitoring fire spread to aid in strategic planning.
- Assessing post-fire damage for recovery efforts.
Credit: FLIR
6. HVAC System Inspections
Thermal drones can inspect HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems in large buildings and industrial plants. They help identify inefficiencies, leaks, and areas needing maintenance, contributing to energy savings and system longevity.
Top Use Cases
- Detecting leaks in HVAC systems.
- Identifying areas of heat loss or inefficiency.
- Conducting routine maintenance inspections to prevent system failures.
7. Industrial Inspections and Maintenance
Thermal drones play a critical role in industrial inspections by providing non-invasive and detailed thermal imagery of structures and equipment. This application helps in detecting faults, leaks, and inefficiencies, ensuring timely maintenance and reducing operational downtime.
Top Use Cases
- Inspecting power lines and electrical grids for overheating components.
- Monitoring pipelines for leaks and irregular temperature changes.
- Assessing the integrity of buildings and infrastructure.
8. Law Enforcement and Surveillance
Law enforcement agencies use thermal drones for surveillance and tactical operations. Police drones equipped with thermal cameras can track suspects, gather intelligence, and ensure officer safety by providing thermal imagery in low-light or obscured conditions.
Top Use Cases
- Conducting nighttime surveillance operations.
- Tracking suspects in low-visibility conditions.
- Enhancing officer safety during tactical missions.
9. Maritime Search and Rescue
Thermal drones are used in maritime environments to locate people and objects in the water. Their ability to detect heat signatures makes them particularly useful for night-time operations or in poor visibility conditions.
Top Use Cases
- Locating individuals in distress at sea.
- Monitoring coastal areas for illegal activities.
- Assisting in maritime disaster response and recovery operations.
10. Roof Inspections
Thermal drones are invaluable in the construction and real estate industries for inspecting roofs. They can identify issues like leaks, insulation problems, and structural damage without the need for physical access, making roof inspections safer and more efficient.
Top Use Cases
- Detecting leaks and water damage in roofing materials.
- Identifying insulation deficiencies and energy loss.
- Assessing structural damage and integrity.
Credit: Commercial UAV News
11. Search and Rescue
Thermal drones are widely used in search and rescue operations to locate missing persons in challenging environments. By detecting body heat, SAR drones can quickly find individuals in dense forests, mountainous areas, or disaster sites. This technology significantly improves the efficiency and success rate of rescue missions.
Top Use Cases
- Locating lost hikers or climbers in wilderness areas.
- Identifying survivors in natural disaster scenarios like earthquakes or floods.
- Assisting in nighttime search operations where visibility is low.
12. Solar Panel Inspections
Thermal drones are extensively used to inspect solar panels for faults and inefficiencies. They can quickly identify hotspots and underperforming cells, which helps in maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of solar panels.
Top Use Cases
- Detecting hotspots and faulty cells in solar panels.
- Assessing overall efficiency and performance of solar farms.
- Conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure optimal operation.
Credit: Skydio
13. Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation
Thermal drones can help in wildlife monitoring by tracking animals and poachers without disturbing the natural habitat. This application is crucial for conservation efforts, helping to protect endangered species and manage wildlife populations effectively.
Top Use Cases
- Tracking wildlife movement and behavior for research purposes.
- Detecting and deterring poaching activities.
- Monitoring endangered species in their natural habitats.
How Much Does a Thermal Drone Cost?
The cost of thermal drones varies widely based on their capabilities, features, and intended applications.
Prices can range from a few thousand dollars for entry-level models to tens of thousands for high-end, professional-grade drones equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology. Keep in mind that the cost could be even higher if you buy a drone and a thermal camera separately—but that high cost may well be worth it if you need high-quality data for the work you plan to do.
Below are the cost factors and typical price ranges for thermal drones, broken out into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end.
Entry-Level Thermal Drones
Entry-level thermal drones are generally suitable for hobbyists or small businesses that require basic thermal imaging capabilities. These drones often come with lower resolution cameras and limited features, but still provide valuable thermal data for less demanding applications.
Price Range
$2,000 – $5,000
Examples
- DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual. Equipped with a FLIR Lepton thermal microcamera and a 4K visual camera, this drone is suitable for basic thermal inspections and search and rescue missions.
- Parrot Anafi Thermal. This compact and lightweight drone offers a 160×120 resolution thermal camera and a 21 MP visual camera, making it an affordable option for small-scale operations.
The Parrot Anafi Thermal | Credit: Parrot
Mid-Range Thermal Drones
Mid-range thermal drones offer a balance between cost and performance. They are suitable for professional applications that require higher resolution thermal imaging and additional features, such as extended flight time and enhanced durability.
Price Range
$5,000 – $15,000
Examples
- Autel EVO II Dual 640T. Featuring a 640×512 thermal camera and an 8K visual camera, this drone is designed for detailed thermal inspections, firefighting, and law enforcement.
- DJI Mavic 3T. This versatile drone comes with a 640×512 thermal camera and a 20 MP visual camera, offering excellent thermal imaging capabilities for a variety of professional applications.
The Mavic 3T | Credit: DJI
High-End Thermal Drones
High-end thermal drones are designed for industrial-grade applications requiring the highest levels of precision, reliability, and functionality. These drones come with advanced features such as high-resolution thermal cameras, long flight times, and robust build quality.
Price Range
$15,000 – $30,000+
Examples
- Skydio X2E. This high-end commercial drone features advanced autonomy and AI-driven obstacle avoidance, making it ideal for complex inspections, search and rescue operations, and public safety missions. Its dual-camera system includes a high-resolution thermal camera and a 12 MP visual camera, providing comprehensive imaging capabilities.
- DJI Matrice 350 RTK + Zenmuse H20T. This professional-grade drone features a quad-sensor payload, including a high-resolution thermal camera, making it ideal for complex inspections, search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring.
The Matrice 350 RTK | Credit: Skydio
Factors Affecting the Cost of Thermal Drones
Several factors can impact the cost of a thermal drone, including:
- Thermal camera resolution. Higher resolution cameras provide more detailed thermal images, which are crucial for precise temperature measurements and detailed inspections. Higher resolution typically means a higher price.
- Flight time. Drones with longer flight times are more expensive due to the advanced battery technology required. Extended flight times are essential for large-scale inspections and search operations.
- Durability and weather resistance. Industrial-grade drones designed to withstand harsh environments and adverse weather conditions tend to be more expensive due to their robust construction and materials.
- Advanced features. Features such as RTK positioning, AI capabilities, obstacle avoidance, and dual-sensor payloads add to the cost of thermal drones. These features enhance the drone’s functionality and versatility, making them suitable for specialized applications.
Additional Costs
- Software and data analysis tools. Many thermal drones come with proprietary software for data analysis and reporting. These tools can be an additional cost but are crucial for extracting valuable insights from the thermal data.
- Training and certification. Operators may need training and certification to use thermal drones effectively and comply with regulations. Training programs can vary in cost depending on their depth and duration.
- Maintenance and repairs. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your thermal drone in optimal condition. Repair costs can also add up, especially for high-end models.
Aerial Thermography Jobs
There are a lot of job opportunities in aerial thermography (i.e., flying a thermal drone to collect data).
Each of these requires specific training, equipment, and knowledge. By obtaining the necessary certifications and investing in the right technology, drone pilots can tap into these lucrative markets and provide valuable services across various industries.
1. Building and Roof Inspections
Thermal drones are used to inspect buildings and roofs for energy efficiency, detecting heat loss, and identifying areas that may require maintenance.
Key Information
- Salary range. $50 – $300 per hour
- Training: Part 107 certification, specific training in thermography
- Equipment. Mid to high-end thermal drone, software for image analysis
2. Solar Panel Inspections
Drones with thermal cameras can quickly identify malfunctioning or damaged solar panels by detecting temperature anomalies.
Key Information
- Salary range. $75 – $200 per hour
- Training. Part 107 certification, training in solar panel inspection
- Equipment. High-resolution thermal drone, data processing software
3. Electrical Inspections
Thermal drones are used to inspect electrical infrastructure, such as power lines and transformers, for overheating and potential failures.
Key Information
- Salary range. $100 – $300 per hour
- Training. Part 107 certification, electrical safety training
- Equipment. Industrial-grade thermal drone, safety gear
4. Agriculture and Crop Health Monitoring
In agriculture, thermal drones help monitor crop health by identifying areas affected by pests, diseases, or water stress through temperature variations.
Key Information
- Salary range. $50 – $150 per hour
- Training. Part 107 certification, agricultural knowledge
- Equipment. Thermal drone, specialized agricultural software
5. Firefighting and Search and Rescue
Thermal drones assist in firefighting by detecting hotspots and helping locate individuals in search and rescue missions, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Key Information
- Salary range. $60 – $200 per hour
- Training. Part 107 certification, emergency response training
- Equipment. High-end thermal drone, live-feed software
6. Wildlife Management
Thermal drones are used in wildlife management to monitor animal populations, track movement, and locate animals in dense forests or at night.
Key Information
- Salary Range: $50 – $150 per hour
- Training: Part 107 certification, wildlife biology knowledge
- Equipment: Thermal drone, GPS tracking software
7. Insurance Claim Inspections
Insurance companies use thermal drones to assess damage claims by identifying areas of heat loss or water intrusion in properties.
Key Information
- Salary Range: $75 – $250 per hour
- Training: Part 107 certification, insurance inspection training
- Equipment: Thermal drone, reporting software
8. Environmental Monitoring
Thermal drones help monitor environmental changes, such as deforestation or water temperature variations, aiding in conservation efforts.
Key Information
- Salary Range: $50 – $200 per hour
- Training: Part 107 certification, environmental science knowledge
- Equipment: Thermal drone, environmental monitoring software
