The frame of a drone, whether constructed from carbon, wood, metal, plastic, or fiberglass, is the essential structure that holds everything together.
Choosing the right racing drone frame is essential for optimizing both speed and agility on the track. In this guide, we’ll dive straight into the key factors you need to consider, from material selection to frame geometry, ensuring you pick the perfect racing drone frame to maximize your performance.
1. What is a FPV Drone Frame?
An FPV drone frame is the foundation of your drone, serving as the main structure that holds all components together. It not only provides the necessary support but also shields sensitive electronics from damage during flights.
While many FPV drone frames share a similar shape and construction, the specific frame you select can significantly influence your drone’s flight characteristics. Beyond just weight and aerodynamics, factors like rigidity and resonance frequency play a crucial role in how your drone handles in the air.
Frames not specifically engineered for racing are typically categorized as freestyle frames. These versatile options are ideal for a range of activities, from freestyle flying at abandoned sites to capturing cinematic footage with a GoPro, or simply enjoying a relaxed cruise at your local park.
1.1 Racing Drone Frame
When it comes to racing drone frame, the design prioritizes performance above all else—lightweight construction and minimal drag are key. However, this focus on speed often means less durability and reduced protection for internal components, making the choice of frame crucial depending on your flying style and objectives.
Here is a racing drone frame.
2. Best FPV Racing Drone Frame
2.1 GEPRC GEP Racer Frame-Carbon Fiber FPV Racing Drone Frame
The GEPRC GEP Racer Frame is a top-tier racing drone frame designed for serious FPV competitors, combining advanced materials and precision engineering for unmatched performance. Constructed from 7075-T6 aviation-grade aluminum alloy splints and high-grade T700 carbon fiber plates, this frame is built to endure the demands of high-speed racing while maintaining a lightweight and durable structure.
This racing drone frame offers versatile compatibility with various flight controller sizes—20x20mm, 25.5×25.5mm, and 30.5×30.5mm—making it adaptable to different setups. Its CNC-machined construction ensures a robust and stable build, providing the reliability needed for aggressive maneuvers on the racecourse. The 16x16mm motor mounting holes allow for precise motor installation, further enhancing the frame’s aerodynamic efficiency.
2.2 RushFPV HUSSAR 5 inch Frame Kits for FPV Racing
The RushFPV HUSSAR 5″ Frame is a standout choice for FPV racing pilots looking for a racing drone frame that combines lightweight design with robust performance features. This frame offers a compact installation space, making it ideal for streamlined builds. Its quick-release arm structure is a major advantage, allowing for swift maintenance and repairs, which is crucial for minimizing downtime during intense racing sessions.
Constructed from high-strength carbon plates, the RushFPV HUSSAR ensures durability and stability, even during aggressive maneuvers. The frame’s multi-layer fuel injection and chamfering design not only contribute to its sleek, aerodynamic appearance but also effectively reduce air resistance, enhancing overall flight performance.
2.3 iFlight Mach R5
The iFlight Mach R5 is a high-performance racing drone frame designed for pilots who demand speed, durability, and versatility. With its quick-swap arm assembly and an aerodynamically optimized canopy, the Mach R5 is built for maximum speed and efficiency on the racecourse. The frame features 6mm thick arms that offer exceptional durability, capable of withstanding the rigors of intense racing.
The Mach R5 accommodates a wide range of flight controllers with 30.5×30.5mm, 25.5×25.5mm, and 20x20mm mount holes, making it compatible with most setups. Its 7075 CNC-machined aluminum middle plate ensures the frame’s rigidity, providing stability during high-speed maneuvers. Whether you’re building a lightweight setup with a 25.5×25.5mm AIO board or opting for a more robust 30.5×30.5mm stack, the Mach R5 handles it all with ease.
3. How to Choose Racing Drone Frame？
3.1 Material
3.1.1 Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is the go-to material for racing drone frames due to its excellent balance of performance and practicality.
Its lightweight nature contributes to faster speeds, improved agility, and longer flight times, making it ideal for competitive racing.
Carbon fiber’s durability allows it to withstand the intense stresses and impacts typical of high-speed drone flights and crashes.
The material’s rigidity also plays a key role in optimizing flight performance and tuning, thanks to its high stiffness-to-weight ratio.
However, carbon fiber does have some drawbacks. Its electrical conductivity poses a risk of short circuits if exposed wires come into contact with the frame. Additionally, it can interfere with radio frequencies, so antennas should be mounted externally for optimal signal strength.
3.1.2 Other
While aluminum frames offer excellent durability, they tend to be heavier, which can impact performance. Plastic frames, like those made from HDPE, are designed to absorb significant impacts, but their added weight and limited working area make them less suitable for high-performance racing drone frames.
3.2 Racing vs Freestyle
When choosing between racing and freestyle drone frames, it’s essential to understand their distinct focuses. Racing drone frames are designed for speed and agility, often being lighter and more streamlined to enhance responsiveness. These frames might sacrifice some durability and may not include mounts for HD cameras. On the other hand, freestyle frames are built to handle impacts better and provide more space for accessories like GoPro mounts, prioritizing durability and the ability to capture high-quality footage.
While a racing drone frame can certainly be used for freestyle flying, its design is optimized for fast, agile maneuvers rather than strength and camera integration. Conversely, a freestyle frame is tailored for flow and durability, making it suitable for tricks and HD filming. If you’re serious about both racing and freestyle, having dedicated frames for each style allows you to fine-tune your setup for optimal performance in both areas.
3.3 Frame Size
The size of a racing drone frame, often called the wheelbase, is measured as the diagonal distance between motor mounts in millimeters. This dimension is crucial because it determines the maximum propeller size the frame can accommodate. For instance, a “5-inch frame” is designed to support 5-inch propellers.
Here are the Sizes of the frame with the propeller:
| Frame size (Wheelbase) | Propeller | Motor | KV |
| 100mm | 2inch | 1102 – 1104 | 6000+ |
| 120mm | 3inch | 1104 – 1106 | 4000+ |
| 150 – 180mm | 4inch | 1306 – 1408 | 3000+ |
| 200-220mm | 5inch | 2204 – 2306 | 2100 – 2800 |
| 235 – 280mm | 6inch | 2205 – 2308 | 1600 – 2500 |
3.4 Frame Shape/Arm Layout
Typically, FPV drone frames come in three main designs: H-frame, X-frame, and stretched-X.
H-Frame: The H-frame features arms perpendicular to the middle plate, creating a stable and roomy design. It spreads weight evenly but may be less agile due to a higher moment of inertia.
X-Frame: The X-frame has arms evenly spaced around the center, providing balanced handling and consistent performance in pitch and roll. It’s a popular choice for racing drones due to its responsive flight.
Stretch-X Frame: This frame extends the front and back arms, reducing propeller interference and improving high-speed maneuverability. It combines stability with enhanced aerodynamics.
Box Frame: A box frame is a robust, enclosed design that prevents broken arms but adds weight and drag. It’s durable but less suited for high-performance racing.
Unibody Frame: Made from a single piece of carbon fiber, the unibody frame is lightweight and easy to assemble. However, replacing a broken arm means swapping the entire frame, whereas frames with separate arms allow for easier repairs.
Each frame type offers different benefits for racing drones, balancing factors like agility, durability, and ease of maintenance.
3.5 Weight
The weight of a racing drone frame is influenced by its design, material, and hardware. Typically, 5-inch racing drone frames weigh between 60 and 90 grams, providing an optimal balance of lightness and agility. In comparison, freestyle drone frames, which are built for durability, generally weigh between 90 and 120 grams. Lighter racing drone frames enhance speed and maneuverability, while heavier frames offer increased robustness and stability.
3.6 Carbon Fibre Thickness
Thicker carbon fiber means better strength, rigidity and sturdiness, but it also gets heavier. Below is a reference table for matching the frame to the thickness of the carbon fibre:
| Frame size (Wheelbase) | Thickeness |
| Less than 100mm | 2- 4 mm |
| 100 – 180mm | 3 -4 mm |
| 200 – 280mm | 5 – 6mm |
3.7 FPV Camera Mounting
When setting up your racing drone frame, it’s crucial to ensure it supports the FPV camera size you plan to use—either micro or nano. Additionally, check the frame’s camera tilt angle options, as this affects your flying style. For racing drones, a tilt angle of 60 degrees is common among advanced pilots for high-speed racing, while freestyle drones often use a tilt of 20-30 degrees for versatile flight. Beginners might find it best to start with a lower tilt, around 5-10 degrees, and adjust as they gain experience. A racing drone frame that allows easy adjustment of the camera angle, ideally from 0 to 45 degrees, can enhance your FPV experience and accommodate different flying styles.
