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Maximum Speed Limit for each Drone Class
In this article, we will see what the maximum speeds should be for certified drones that we find on the market, classified by class.
| Class | Maximum Speed |
| 0 | 19 m/s |
| 1 | 19 m/s |
| 2 | No limit, except when flying within 5 meters of people not involved in the operation, the maximum speed is limited to 3 m/s. |
| 3 | No limit, but shall operate at a good distance from people not involved in the operation. |
| 4 | No limit, but shall operate at a good distance from people not involved in the operation. |
| 5 | 5 m/s |
| 6 | 50 m/s |
Please note that the maximum speeds mentioned here are subject to regulations and safety considerations.
Class 0 Speed Limit
The smallest ones in the family cannot exceed a speed of 19 m/s, or the equivalent of 68.4 km/h.
Class 1 Speed Limit
In this case, we find drones with a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) of 900 grams or with a kinetic energy in the event of impact with a person’s head of less than 80 J. Just like Class 0 drones, they cannot exceed a speed of 19 m/s, or the equivalent of 68.4 km/h.
Class 2 Speed Limit
In this case, we find drones with an MTOM less than 4 kg. There is no maximum speed limitation for this type of aircraft, unless you want to fly within 5 meters of people not involved in the operation. In this case, the aircraft must have a low-speed mode that limits its maximum speed to 3 m/s, or the equivalent of 10.8 km/h.
Class 3 Speed Limit
For this class, we already find drones with an MTOM less than 25 kg that must always operate at a good distance from people not involved in the operation. That is why the maximum speed of these drones is not limited in their technical specifications.
Class 4 Speed Limit
In this class, we find those drones that are used for classic radio control. They must operate within the same operational limitations as Class 3 drones, so we also do not find a maximum speed limitation in their technical specifications.
Class 5 Speed Limit
At this point, we enter the Specific Category. We find drones with an MTOM less than 25 kg intended to fly in scenarios with a higher risk. In the case of Class 5 drones, the aircraft must have a minimum low-speed mode of 5 m/s, or their respective 18 km/h.
Class 6 Speed Limit
Finally, we have drones intended for long-distance flights in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) with an MTOM less than 25 kg. In this case, the aircraft must not have a level flight speed greater than 50 m/s, or the equivalent of 180 km/h.
Conclusions
If flying a drone at 180 km/h could pose a danger to operational safety or physical security, it must be immediately reduced and adapted to the situation.