Copyright © 2025 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{187102,
        author = {Abhay P and Bhuvan M S and Bhanuprakash and Akasha and Asst Professor Nataraja N and Asst Professor Niveditha V K},
        title = {Design, Performance, and Regulatory Considerations for Payload Drones: A Comprehensive Study},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {6},
        pages = {3275-3278},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=187102},
        abstract = {With an emphasis on design trade-offs, payload integration methodologies, performance characterization, safety and regulatory limitations and application scenarios (medical logistics, last-mile commerce, and disaster response), this article examines payload-capable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). We conduct mixed-methods research that includes a policy examination of airworthiness and operational constraints, bench and flight testing of modular payload racks (0.5-8 kg range) and a technical design analysis. These are our goals: (1) to measure the effects of incremental payload mass and center-of-gravity changes on flight stability and endurance (2) to assess medical and commercial products payload release and securement systems; and (3) to compile regulatory requirements that impact payload operations. The findings will provide a standard test procedure for payload performance and safety certification, as well as design requirements for medium lift delivery drones (payload = 0.5-8 kg). Important conclusions from the literature and industry practice show that feasible payload mass and operating envelope are significantly determined by mission profile, national regulations and payload design (external vs. embedded).},
        keywords = {payload drone, UAV payload, payload capacity, drone delivery, regulatory framework, DGCA, flight-testing},
        month = {November},
        }