Six-rotor layout adds lift and motor-out redundancy over a quad
In stock
Frames
S550 Hexacopter Frame
The S550 is a 550mm hexacopter airframe and a popular entry-level multirotor platforms for aerial photography, mapping experiments and DIY drone learning.
₹5,490 + 18% GST
SKU: BOTBIT-FRM-05 · Best for: Entry-level aerial photography platforms
Overview
About S550 Hexacopter Frame.
The S550 is a 550mm hexacopter airframe and a popular entry-level multirotor platforms for aerial photography, mapping experiments and DIY drone learning. Its six-arm layout adds redundancy and lift over a quadcopter of similar size, so the loss of a single motor is less likely to end in a crash, making it a forgiving base for first-time multirotor builders. The frame uses an integrated PCB centre plate that lets you solder ESCs directly to the board, simplifying wiring and removing the need for a separate power distribution board.
Construction combines glass-fibre or reinforced engineering-plastic arms with a PCB main plate, often paired with a carbon-fibre landing skid. The arms use a slight upward tilt for stability in forward flight, and pre-threaded brass inserts let the arms bolt onto the main plate quickly. Motor mounts accept common patterns with 16, 19 and 25mm hole spacing, so a wide range of 22xx to 28xx multirotor motors will fit.
It is aimed at students and hobbyists learning multirotor assembly with ArduPilot or PX4-class controllers, photography hobbyists building a stable camera platform, and anyone wanting an affordable, redundant six-rotor base. The integrated PCB makes it a clean, beginner-friendly first hexacopter build.
Key features
Why it stands out.
Integrated PCB centre plate lets you solder ESCs directly, no separate PDB
Pre-threaded brass inserts make arm assembly fast and tool-friendly
Upward-tilt arms aid stability in forward flight for camera work
Versatile 16/19/25mm motor mounts fit a wide range of motors
Specifications
Selection facts.
| Configuration | Hexacopter (6-axis) |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 550mm |
| Centre plate | Integrated PCB |
| Arm material | Glass fibre / reinforced nylon |
| Landing gear | Carbon fiber skid |
| Motor mount holes | 16 / 19 / 25mm |
| Landing gear height | ~250mm |
Applications
Where it is used.
- Entry-level aerial photography platforms
- DIY multirotor learning and education
- ArduPilot / PX4 flight controller experiments
- Stable camera and gimbal carrying builds
- GPS waypoint and autonomous flight testing
- Hobby six-rotor build projects
Buying guide
How to choose.
The S550 is a frame kit, so you will add six motors, six ESCs, a flight controller such as a Pixhawk or APM-class board, a GPS, propellers, a radio system and a battery. The integrated PCB centre plate simplifies the build by letting you solder ESCs directly to the plate, which is a real advantage for beginners learning to wire a multirotor.
Choose a hexacopter like the S550 over a quadcopter when you want extra lift for a camera or gimbal and the safety margin of motor redundancy. The trade-off is more motors, ESCs and props to buy and maintain, plus higher power draw, so factor the full six-rotor parts cost into your budget.
Match motors and props to your intended all-up weight; common builds use 920KV-class motors with 1045 or 1145 props on a 3S or 4S pack. Confirm the motor mount pattern against your chosen motors using the 16/19/25mm hole options, and add a gimbal only after the base platform flies reliably.
FAQ
Common questions.
Does the S550 include a power distribution board?
It does not need a separate PDB because the centre plate is an integrated PCB. You solder your six ESCs and the battery lead directly to the board, which simplifies wiring and is one of the main reasons the S550 is popular with beginners building their first hexacopter.
What flight controller works with the S550?
The S550 is commonly built with ArduPilot or PX4 controllers such as Pixhawk or APM-class boards, which support hexacopter mixing, GPS and autonomous modes. Any modern multirotor flight controller that supports a 6-rotor configuration will work.
What motors and propellers should I use?
The 16/19/25mm motor mounts fit a wide range of multirotor motors; many builders use 920KV-class motors with 1045 or 1145 propellers on 3S or 4S. Choose motor size and prop based on your target all-up weight and the camera or gimbal you plan to carry.
Is a hexacopter safer than a quadcopter?
A hexacopter has six motors, so it can often keep flying or land safely if one motor or ESC fails, which a quadcopter usually cannot. This redundancy is valuable when carrying a camera, though it does not remove the need for careful setup and pre-flight checks.
What is the arm material?
The S550 arms are typically moulded from glass-fibre-reinforced engineering plastic rather than full carbon, which keeps cost low while remaining reasonably rigid. The landing skid is usually carbon fibre. This construction is durable enough for learning and general photography builds.
Can it carry a camera gimbal?
Yes, the 550mm six-rotor frame has enough lift to carry a small camera and gimbal once motors and props are sized appropriately. Get the base platform flying and tuned first, then add the gimbal, and keep total weight within your motors' thrust margin for safe flight.
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