New Funding Supports Development of Tools for Fast, Compliant Product Development Amid U.S. Manufacturing Challenges Cofactr, a supply chain and logistics platform for hardware manufacturers, has announced the close of its $17.2 million Series A funding round. Bain Capital Ventures led the round, joined by investors Y Combinator, Floating Point Ventures, Broom, and DNX. This […]
Welcome to this week’s episode of Weekly Wings, your trusted source for all things drones! Hosts Paul Rossi and Terry Neff bring you a mix of expert insights, industry updates, and engaging banter. As the holiday season ramps up, Paul and Terry discuss plans to transition the podcast to a bi-weekly schedule. This change will […]
For clarity and depth, we’ve divided our coverage of the recent Congressional hearing titled “Safeguarding the Homeland from Unmanned Aerial Systems,” into two parts. Part 1, found here, focused on federal officials’ testimony regarding unexplained drone incursions in New York and New Jersey and the broader challenges facing counter-drone operations. This is Part 2, delving into […]
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Drones have revolutionized nighttime entertainment, with drone light shows creating spectacular displays at theme parks, corporate functions and holiday celebrations. It’s a huge business opportunity — and many drone light show companies are springing up. So if you’re looking for light show drones for sale to launch your own business, which should you use?
By and large, UVify is the industry leader, trusted by top companies like Pixis Drones and Sky Elements which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. UVify’s flagship model, the IFO, is the gold standard for drone light shows. There’s even the optional IFO-P pyro module that allows you to launch fireworks from it. UVify sells their IFO drones for just over $1,500 per unit.
Other companies have light show drones for sale for even less money, particularly if you’re willing to do some DIY (as is the case with the Drone Dojo light show kit).
So which light show drones should you buy? In some ways, there’s no best light show drone. Businesses putting on a professional-grade display need someone different than, say, a college class experimenting with light choreography. Given that, buying the right light show drone is key.
Generally speaking, UVify’s IFO drones are the best for professional light shows, offering unmatched reliability and cutting-edge features. But for hobbyists or smaller-scale projects, there are also budget-friendly options (as long as you realize that you get what you pay for). Here’s everything you need to know about the best light show drones for sale and where to buy them.
Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
If you’re looking for a professional-grade solution, UVify’s IFO drones are the gold standard. These are the same drones used by Sky Elements, the drone team that won America’s Got Talent. Built in South Korea, the IFO drones are designed for reliability and precision, making them ideal for large-scale events and corporate showcases.
At $1,585 per drone (plus optional pyro costs), this is an investment meant for professionals or serious enthusiasts. But if you need a reliable, industry-leading drone, the UVify IFO is worth it.
Key UVify IFO drone features
Durable and weather-resistant: With a waterproof rating of IP43, the IFO can handle light rain or wind up to 20 m/s (45 mph)—perfect for outdoor events.
Turnkey solution: Your purchase includes all hardware, software and 24/7 support. Plus, you get access to UVify’s FAB rental network, which can offset costs.
Made in South Korea: UVify is a U.S. company that makes its drones in South Korea. That’s generally a plus, particularly given recent talks by certain U.S. politicians seeking to ban Chinese-made drones.
Compact size: The IFO drones weigh just 682 grams and their dimensions are 275x275x120 mm. That’s somewhat similar in size to the DJI Air 3S drone.
20 minute shows: The IFO drone can fly for 26 minutes, though UVify recommends capping shows at 20 minus. That’s the same length as a standard Disney fireworks show, and should be sufficient for drone shows.
What about UVify Pyro drones to launch fireworks from drones?
Want to launch fireworks from your drone? UVify is a pioneer in making drones capable of launching fireworks, and the IFO was the first pyro drone to legally fly in the U.S.
To launch fireworks from your own light show drone, you’ll need UVify’s separate module that allows you to launch pyro to your drones. Called the IFO-P, you’ll owe $500 extra per module to deck out your drone with the pyro unit.
You’ll also have to account for the pyrotechnics themselves. Expect to spend $30-70 to purchase each gerb, which is a type of firework which produces a jet of sparks, usually lasting between 15 and 60 seconds. And though the fountain-style “gerb” fireworks are most commonly used on pyro today, UVify says it is testing other types of fireworks.
Luckily, you don’t need a module on every drone. According to UVify, drone shows that incorporate pyro on their drones typically only put pyro modules on between 40-60% of all drones in the show.
So how do firework drones work? You simply load the gerb(s) on your drone. The module has a separate firing system, which the pyro operator can then coordinate with the chief drone pilot to execute.
UVify has a proven track record in its pyro-enabled shows, due in part to their partnership with Cobra Firing Systems which ensures that safety and precision are never compromised. According to UVify, all shows to-date that use UVify pyro-equipped drones have a 100% success rate. For comparison, other companies have a success rate of only about 50%.
If you want to add pyro with your drone, keep in mind that you need a separate waiver to use pyro.
Order the UVify IFO today, and don’t forget to mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
The Lumenier ARORA Light Show Drone is another professional-grade option that combines sleek design with cutting-edge features. Known for its advanced LED system and customizable choreography options, the ARORA is favored for its vibrant displays and smooth flight dynamics.
They’re high-quality drones, but their top selling point over UVify is that they’re made in America. Lumenier ARORA light show drones are fully built, test-flown and serviced by build technicians at the company’s Florida facility.
Key Lumenier ARORA Light Show Drone features
Dynamic light displays: The ARORA is equipped with high-powered RGB LEDs that create stunning visual effects. In fact, its LEDs are 6x brighter than what’s standard.
Advanced choreography tools: Lumenier provides proprietary software for designing intricate light shows, making it a good choice for creatives.
Reliable performance: Built with precision flight capabilities and durable components, the ARORA can handle outdoor events with ease.
Drawbacks — not dealbreakers
At ~$2,000 per drone, the ARORA is pricier than UVify’s IFO, and while it delivers stunning visuals, it lacks some modular features like pyro integration.
And here’s another reason to skip it. As of publication, it’s out of stock.
If you’re looking to teach programming or want an educational tool for students, the DroneBlocks Light Show Kit is a fantastic option. With this kit, DroneBlocks blends education and fun, making drones more than just a tool for entertainment. Students can see their code come to life in a tangible, visually stunning way.
This kit focuses on coding drone light shows, making it ideal for STEM programs or coding camps.
Unlike the UVify option that prices per drone, the DroneBlocks kit’s pricing model requires a minimum number of drones. The starting kit, which includes 10 drones, costs $7,495 (or $750 per drone).
And do note that while this kit is great for small-scale projects and classrooms, it does lack advanced features found in professional drones.
Key DroneBlocks Light Show Kit features
Beginner-friendly: Designed for educators and students with no prior experience.
Hands-on programming: Learn to choreograph light displays using simple coding platforms like Scratch or Python.
Affordable entry point: A good balance between cost and capability for those just starting out.
Drawbacks — not dealbreakers
While this kit is great for small-scale projects and classrooms, it does lack advanced features found in professional drones. For example, drones have a maximum programmable height of 8 meters (26 feet). That’s a nice safety feature so students don’t fly drones out of control, but you won’t be flying huge-scale shows over major buildings with these drones.
Flight times are just 12 minutes, which means you should plan on keeping your drone show at eight minutes or less.
For hobbyists or educators who want to create small-scale light shows without breaking the bank, the Drone Dojo Light Show Kit is a great choice. This DIY kit allows you to assemble your drones, program light displays, and learn the basics of drone show production.
Budget-friendly: The kit itself is a fraction of the cost of professional drones, making it accessible for beginners. Meanwhile, membership to go through the courses is just $27 per month (and that includes all courses, not just the light show course).
Customizable: The kit includes programmable LEDs for light effects and basic choreography.
Educational value: Perfect for learning drone assembly and programming in a hands-on way.
Drawbacks — not dealbreakers
This Drone Dojo kit is best for personal projects or educational purposes. Don’t plan on buying a bunch of drones to put on large-scale events or other commercial use applications.
And as is the case with any DIY project, this isn’t for the faint of heart. Be prepared to put in the effort (and to shop around to nab a deal). From there, accept that the drones will lack the precision and durability of professional models like the UVify. Consider these more of a great entry point for learning the craft.
Key considerations before buying light show drones
Sally French, The Drone Girl, watching Disney Electrical Sky Parade. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)
Buying a light show drone setup is no cheap investment — and there’s a lot of other work that goes into putting on a drone light show beyond just buying a great, easy-to-launch option. Though we dig deeper into what goes into launching a drone business of any kind elsewhere on my site, here’s a high-level overview of other things you need to know before launching a drone show business.
Get your drone license — and have other waivers or permits
Operating drones for light shows involves adhering to aviation regulations in your region. In the U.S., this typically includes:
Waivers: You may need specific FAA waivers, such as having multiple drones under the control of one operator. For pyro-enabled drones, additional waivers for the use of fireworks are required.
Local Permits: Some locations may require permits for outdoor events, especially in urban areas or near airports.
Event Coordination: Notify local air traffic control or authorities about your show to avoid conflicts with other airspace users. You can typically do this using LAANC.
Purchase insurance
Though not required to fly drones under FAA rules, you’ll typically want drone insurance before putting on a drone show. Your client, or the owners of the land you’re flying over, might require it.
Key policies include:
General Liability Insurance: Covers property damage and bodily injuries during operations.
Hull Insurance: Protects your drones against damage or loss.
Pyrotechnics Insurance: If using pyro-enabled drones, you’ll need specific coverage for fireworks-related risks.
Errors and Omissions Insurance: Covers mistakes or oversights in your professional services.
On that note, before any drone show, your safety procedures should include:
Site Surveys: Conduct thorough site assessments to identify potential hazards.
Emergency Plans: Prepare for scenarios like drone malfunctions, fires, or audience safety breaches.
Clear Communication: Work closely with event organizers and local authorities to ensure smooth operations.
Set up software and choreography tools
Some of the drones in this guide come with software designed specifically to work with that drone. However, if it doesn’t, have a plan for:
Fleet Management Software: Manage and monitor multiple drones simultaneously during a show.
Choreography Platforms: Tools like DroneShow Software or proprietary platforms (like what UVify offers with their drones) allow you to design synchronized light displays.
Backup Systems: Always have a backup of your choreography and a redundancy plan in case of software failure.
How to choose the best light show drone
When considering light show drones for sale, here’s the tl;dr of what we would choose.
For professionals: UVify IFO drones are the best option for precision, durability, and pyro integration. The Lumenier ARORA is a possible alternative, though it’s less tried and true than UVify.
For hobbyists or educators: Kits from DroneBlocks and Drone Dojo provide an affordable way to learn and experiment. UVify also works with hobbyists and provides IFO to educational institutions with a special education discount.
Ready to light up the sky? Whether you’re crafting an unforgettable wedding reception or an educational STEM program, make sure you buy the best light show drone to make it happen.
Considering the UVify IFO? Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
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