The 3DR Iris is a ready-to-fly open-source quadcopter introduced by 3D Robotics in 2013, built around the APM/Pixhawk autopilot ecosystem. It offered autonomous waypoint navigation, return-to-launch, loiter, and follow-me modes for the consumer and developer market.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Multirotor |
| Price | ~$750 (2013 MSRP) |
| Subtype | Consumer/hobbyist quadcopter |
| Role | Recreational / aerial imaging / dev platform |
| Class | Group 1 (micro/small) |
| Classification | Consumer/hobbyist UAV (Group 1) |
| Mission | Aerial photography, Hobby/recreation, Developer platform, Mapping |
| Datalink | 915 MHz / 433 MHz telemetry radio; 2.4 GHz RC |
| Variants | Iris; Iris+ |
| MTOW (kg) | 1.2 |
| Operators | Consumer / hobbyist / developers |
| Frame type | Quadcopter |
| Length (m) | 0.55 |
| Propulsion | Electric (4 brushless motors, LiPo battery) |
| Range (km) | 1 |
| Wingspan (m) | 0.55 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | Commercial / civilian |
| Launch method | VTOL |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous waypoint capable (APM:Copter) |
| Endurance (min) | 16 |
| Recovery method | VTOL landing |
| Year introduced | 2013 |
| Max payload (kg) | 0.4 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 40 |
| Standard sensors | GPS/uBlox, IMU, Optional GoPro camera |
| Production status | Discontinued |
| Airframe / lift type | Multirotor – quad |
| Control / autonomy level | Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – civil | Consumer / recreational, Photography / film, Research, Survey / mapping |
| Origin / supply chain | COTS (DJI, Autel, Skydio), Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion) |
| Range / endurance | Very close range (<5 km, <1 hr) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RCS – nano/micro (<0.01 m²), RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | Low (<50 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Nuisance / negligent (airspace incursion) |
| Weight / class | Class I – Micro (<2 kg), FAA <25 kg (Part 107) |