Choosing the Right Commercial UAV Battery
Commercial UAV batteries need to be selected around the aircraft and mission rather than simply choosing the highest-capacity pack available. Voltage, capacity, discharge capability, weight, dimensions, connector type and charging requirements all need to work with the aircraft’s propulsion and power system.
A surveying or mapping aircraft may prioritise endurance and energy density, while a heavy-lift or industrial platform may place greater emphasis on high current capability and reliable power delivery under load. VTOL and fixed-wing aircraft can have different requirements again, particularly where long flight times and efficient cruise performance are important.
Always start with the aircraft manufacturer’s battery specification or the electrical requirements of the complete propulsion system.
6S, 12S and 14S UAV Batteries
Commercial UAV batteries are available in a range of voltages, commonly identified by their cell count.
A standard LiPo cell has a nominal voltage of approximately 3.7V. This gives a standard 6S LiPo a nominal voltage of approximately 22.2V, 12S approximately 44.4V and 14S approximately 51.8V.
Higher-voltage systems can deliver the required power at lower current than an equivalent lower-voltage system, which can be useful on larger aircraft. However, the battery voltage must match the motors, ESCs, power distribution system and other aircraft electronics.
Do not substitute one cell count for another unless the entire system has been designed and approved for that voltage.
Capacity, Weight and Energy Density
Battery capacity is measured in milliamp hours, or mAh. Larger-capacity packs store more energy, but they are also generally heavier.
For commercial aircraft, the ideal battery is not necessarily the pack with the highest mAh rating. Adding battery capacity increases available energy but also increases aircraft weight, which in turn increases the power required to fly.
The objective is to find the best balance between battery capacity, battery mass, payload and required flight time.
Energy density, commonly expressed in watt-hours per kilogram, is particularly important for endurance-focused UAV applications. A battery capable of storing more energy for the same weight can potentially increase useful flight time without increasing aircraft mass to the same extent.
Understanding C Rating and Current Demand
The C rating describes the battery’s stated discharge capability relative to its capacity.
Commercial UAVs do not always require the extremely high C ratings associated with FPV racing batteries. Many professional aircraft instead prioritise capacity, energy density and efficient continuous power delivery.
However, the battery must still be capable of supplying the aircraft’s maximum current demand without excessive voltage sag or heat.
Large multirotors and heavy-lift aircraft can draw substantial current during take-off, manoeuvring and operation at high payload weights. Battery selection should therefore consider both expected continuous current and peak demand.
LiPo, LiHV and Smart UAV Batteries
Traditional LiPo batteries remain widely used across commercial drone and UAV applications because they offer a useful combination of power, capacity, weight and availability.
LiHV batteries use a higher maximum charge voltage per cell than conventional LiPo packs. They must be charged using equipment and charging profiles specifically suitable for the battery chemistry.
Smart UAV batteries can add features such as communication with compatible chargers and battery-management equipment. Depending on the battery system, this can simplify charging, fleet management and battery monitoring.
NextFPV stocks commercial battery options including Tattu, Tattu Plus, Tattu Pro and G-Tech systems across a range of capacities and voltages.
Semi-Solid-State UAV Batteries
Semi-solid-state battery technology is increasingly used where high energy density and endurance are important.
The current NextFPV range includes Tattu semi-solid-state UAV batteries with stated energy densities in the 300Wh/kg to 350Wh/kg range, depending on the model.
These packs can be particularly interesting for mapping, surveying, fixed-wing, VTOL and other applications where extending flight time without excessive battery weight is valuable.
Semi-solid-state batteries should still be selected according to the aircraft’s voltage, current, connector, dimensional and charging requirements. Higher energy density does not automatically make a battery suitable for every aircraft.
Battery Connectors and Aircraft Integration
Commercial UAV batteries may use connectors such as XT90-S, AS150 with XT150, AS150U and AS150U-F, depending on the battery and aircraft system.
Connector choice becomes increasingly important as battery voltage and current increase. The connector, wiring and power distribution system all need to be appropriately rated for the electrical load.
When replacing an existing battery, confirm the connector type, polarity and pin configuration rather than relying on connector appearance alone.
For smart battery systems, additional communication or balance connections may also be required.
Matching a Battery to the UAV Mission
Battery selection should take the aircraft’s complete mission profile into account.
Mapping and surveying platforms may prioritise long flight time and predictable discharge characteristics. Agricultural and industrial aircraft may require significantly greater current capability because of heavier payloads. Inspection platforms may prioritise reliability and manageable battery weight, while fixed-wing and VTOL aircraft can benefit strongly from high energy density during cruise flight.
Where possible, compare aircraft weight, expected payload, average current consumption and required flight time before selecting a battery.
For custom or newly designed platforms, battery choice should form part of the propulsion-system design rather than being selected after the aircraft is built.
Charging Commercial UAV Batteries
Large commercial UAV batteries require appropriately rated charging equipment.
A high-capacity 6S pack can require considerably more charger power than a typical FPV battery, while 12S and 14S batteries may require specialised high-voltage chargers and compatible balance equipment.
Check the battery manufacturer’s recommended charging method, maximum charge current and required charger compatibility.
NextFPV also stocks high-power charging equipment designed for large UAV batteries, including smart charging systems for compatible Tattu battery platforms.
Large Commercial Orders and Worldwide Supply
Lithium batteries are subject to strict transport regulations, which means ordinary international parcel shipping is often not suitable.
For larger commercial orders, NextFPV can assist international customers with battery supply directly from the manufacturer where appropriate freight arrangements are available. This can provide a practical option for fleets, integrators, manufacturers and commercial operators requiring larger quantities outside Australia.
Availability, minimum quantities, freight method and destination requirements can vary, so commercial international orders should be discussed with NextFPV before purchase.
Custom UAV Battery Solutions
Commercial UAV projects do not always fit an off-the-shelf battery specification.
NextFPV can assist with enquiries for custom battery builds through the manufacturer where a project requires a specific voltage, capacity, connector, physical size, discharge capability or other battery configuration.
Custom battery solutions can be useful for UAV manufacturers, prototype aircraft, fleet operators and specialised industrial platforms.
Requirements such as aircraft voltage, maximum dimensions, target capacity, connector type, expected current draw and anticipated order quantity help determine whether a suitable custom solution can be produced.
Commercial UAV Battery FAQs
What battery should I use for a commercial UAV?
Start with the aircraft manufacturer’s specified voltage, capacity, connector and weight limits. For custom platforms, battery choice should be matched to the propulsion system, payload, required flight time and maximum current demand.
Is a higher-capacity UAV battery always better?
No. Higher capacity increases stored energy but also normally increases battery weight. The best battery is the one that provides the required endurance without adding so much weight that aircraft efficiency and payload capability suffer.
What is the difference between 6S, 12S and 14S batteries?
The numbers describe the number of cells connected in series. Increasing the cell count increases battery voltage. The correct cell count depends on the voltage for which the aircraft’s motors, ESCs and electrical system were designed.
What is a semi-solid-state UAV battery?
Semi-solid-state packs are designed to provide higher energy density than many conventional LiPo batteries. They can be useful for endurance-focused UAV applications, but they must still match the aircraft’s voltage, current and charging requirements.
Can NextFPV supply commercial UAV batteries internationally?
For larger commercial orders, international supply may be possible directly from the battery manufacturer using suitable freight arrangements. This is separate from standard international parcel shipping and depends on the destination and order requirements.
Can NextFPV supply custom UAV batteries?
Yes. NextFPV can assist with manufacturer-supported custom battery enquiries for commercial projects requiring particular voltage, capacity, dimensions, connectors or electrical specifications.
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