Estimate inspection drone flight time from battery energy, average propulsion and payload power, reserve state of charge, and conversion efficiency. The calculator also reports usable energy, mission time after a return-to-home allowance, and the number of complete inspection segments that fit in one flight.
Flight time (hours) = battery Wh × (1 − reserve) × efficiency ÷ total average watts. On-station time subtracts the return-to-home allowance.
The main result is a planning estimate based on the entered operating assumptions. Supporting metrics show the intermediate capacity, cost, energy, or utilization effects that drive it.
This tool is an operational estimate, not a manufacturer guarantee. Confirm safety limits, local rules, equipment specifications, and site conditions before deployment.
A 320 Wh battery with 20% reserve and 90% efficiency provides 230.4 Wh. At 655 W average load, estimated flight time is about 21.1 minutes and 17.1 minutes remain after a four-minute return allowance.
It uses only the values entered above and the formula shown on this page. The estimate does not automatically account for site-specific constraints that are not entered.
Use measured logs from comparable shifts or missions when possible. If records are unavailable, test conservative and optimistic scenarios instead of relying on a single guess.
Weather, downtime, route geometry, operator procedures, equipment condition, payload, and unplanned interruptions can change actual performance.
Yes where the field allows zero. Required time, capacity, rate, or workload inputs must remain greater than zero so the calculation stays meaningful.
Keep the displayed estimate for comparison, but round fleet requirements up to whole machines and add operational contingency where missed deadlines carry a cost.
| Variable | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Propulsion power | Time-weighted motor demand in expected conditions |
| Payload power | Sensors, compute, communications, and avionics |
| Reserve | Energy protected for safe landing and battery life |