Hello Anton,

 For better understanding your question, please specify itself which category of UAV you want use :

fixed wings .

Multi-rotor, helicopter etc.

Electric or thermal Propulsion. 

I agree with Naceur's input on specifics - looking, for example, at HALE type fixed wing UAV, 1/2kg seems no challenge at all...

Nevertheless, in general, I would focus on three main aspects to derrive at load carrying capabilities:

- size (larger lifting surfaces whether as wing or rotor usually translate into more lifting capability)

- speed (higher speeds allow higher lift production, all other parameters considered fixed; again, in general, it doesn't matter whether fwd speed of a wing or rotational speed of a rotor)

- propulsion (the two points above directly will affect drag which in turn will require excess thrust to overcome)

Hope that helps at the conceptual level

This sUAS can lift 1kg: http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/heli-max/hmxe0863.html

I have flown it - it's beefy albeit a little squirrelly. Ideally the load would be as close to the body and center of gravity so that it does not affect the flight characteristics and performance of the vehicle. 

Hi  Anton.

I think, if you are  interesed  for UAV application or developpment, one well defined research project requires following answers:

• Lifted usefull  Load.
• Flight time ( propulsion efficiency )
• Flight envelope (min and max Speed and alltitude). 
• Cruise radius with  remote control.
• Remote and tracking methods.
• Reliable  remote control range.

Generaly this kind of project needs official  or gouvernemental autorisations.

Good luck.

I agree with friends. 

For better understanding your question, you should specify which category of UAV you want use :

fixed wings .

Multi-rotor, helicopter etc.

Electric or thermal Propulsion. 

Good luck.

In addition to the above, make sure you understand what your 1/2 kg includes your entire payload.  For example, if you are going to carry a 1/2 kg camera, do you need a  gimbal?  If it needs a gimbal, does it need its own battery?  How are you going to mount it on the aircraft?  All of these items add weight so  you may find that your 1/2 kg camera ends up being a 1.5 kg payload.  This will require a much bigger aircraft.  This payload must then be mounted on an aircraft that will meet your mission requirements.  The odds of utilizing a random aircraft that is capable of carrying a 1 1/2 kg payload are not good, so it needs to be well thought out as others  have  pointed out above.  Also, not mentioned above, you need to consider the environmental conditions in which you plan to fly.  How much wind will it need to tolerate?  What about rain?  Does it need to fly at night?  What  altitude will you be flying at?  How cold will it be?  All these affect aircraft selection.  Best of luck!

Hi there! I agree with most of the colleagues who mention you need to be more specific about what you would be using the UAV for.

For larger distances, we have used the Roboflight RF-70 which can lift up to 750 grs without any issues (http://www.troybuiltmodels.com/items/RF70.html#10). However, you should consider this option if you expect to map large surfaces, and would not suit smaller areas or very tight spaces. There are some hexacopters and octocopters which could lift more than 500 grs, although I haven't tried any. We've succesfully lift a 250 grs camera with a Phantom 3 (just on the bottom of the gymbal), so anything larger than that would most likely work.

Let us know the specifics of what you're looking to do and we might be able to help you.

Good luck!

Very probable. See www.coanda.co.uk.. In particular read my Engineering Research Report 23 Rev0A.

Bob Collins