Heavy-lift drone vs. helicopter: when do you choose which solution?

A helicopter or a heavy-lift drone: both move cargo to places that can't be reached by road. That's where the similarity ends. The capacity, cost and logistics behind them are very different.

What a helicopter can do that a drone cannot

A mid-size transport helicopter like the AS350 lifts around 1,000 kg externally. Larger types, such as the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane, reach 9,000 kg. That's a different world from the FlyingBasket FB4's 200 kg. Helicopters also fly further, move faster, and perform better in high winds at sea.

For heavy transport to remote offshore platforms or large structural components at height, the helicopter is still the only option. That won't change.

Where a drone is cheaper and faster

A helicopter costs between €3,000 and €15,000 per flight hour, depending on type, region and operator. Add charter fees, standby time, airfield costs and per-location airspace permits. For an 80 kg payload to a rooftop 20 metres up, that doesn't add up.

A drone operation for the same job costs a fraction, can typically be scheduled within 48 hours, and requires no helipad or airfield. Setup on site is smaller too: two operators, the drone on a trailer, a cordoned zone.

Noise, space and downwash

A helicopter generates significantly more noise and downwash than a drone. On industrial sites, that's rarely a problem. Near residential areas, hospitals or other sensitive locations, it matters. A heavy-lift drone also needs a much smaller safety zone on the ground.

Offshore wind: both side by side

In larger offshore wind farms, helicopters and drones already work alongside each other. The helicopter brings crew and heavy equipment. The drone handles interim deliveries of smaller parts, toolboxes and consumables, quickly and without a service vessel. They don't replace each other. They split the work.

Not sure whether a drone or helicopter suits your job? Give Drone Lift the location and payload. We'll help you work it out.