Umbrella-style folding arms pack down small for easy field transport
In stock
Frames
LJI ZD550 Foldable Survey Frame
The LJI ZD550 is a 550mm foldable quadcopter airframe built from 3K full carbon fiber, designed for aerial photography, FPV and light survey work where portability and a stable camera platform both matter.
₹8,990 + 18% GST
SKU: BOTBIT-FRM-06 · Best for: Aerial survey and mapping platforms
Overview
About LJI ZD550 Foldable Survey Frame.
The LJI ZD550 is a 550mm foldable quadcopter airframe built from 3K full carbon fiber, designed for aerial photography, FPV and light survey work where portability and a stable camera platform both matter. Its umbrella-style folding arms collapse for transport and lock into a slight upward angle in flight, so the aircraft packs down small for field work and snaps back to a rigid, repeatable geometry once deployed. The frame ships with a carbon-fibre landing skid and aluminium folding brackets with steel and brass hardware.
The platform is sized for serious payloads relative to its weight: it accepts 3508-class brushless motors swinging 12 to 15 inch propellers, runs on 30A-40A ESCs and 4S to 6S batteries, and provides a stable base for a camera or sensor payload underneath. At roughly 630g for the bare frame, it leaves a healthy margin for electronics, battery and payload while remaining manageable to hand-launch and transport.
It is aimed at survey and mapping operators who need a transportable carbon frame, aerial photography and FPV builders wanting longer flight times from efficient large props, and ArduPilot/APM users assembling an autonomous platform. The folding design makes it especially suited to operators who travel between field sites.
Key features
Why it stands out.
Stiff 3K full carbon fiber construction keeps weight low and flight stable
Accepts 3508 motors and 12-15 inch props for efficient lift
CNC aluminium folding brackets with steel/brass hardware lock arms securely
Includes carbon-fiber landing skid for ground clearance and payload room
Specifications
Selection facts.
| Configuration | Quadcopter (4-axis) |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 550mm |
| Frame material | 3K full carbon fiber |
| Frame weight | ~630 g |
| Recommended motors | 3508 class |
| Propeller size | 12-15 inch |
| ESC | 30A-40A |
| Battery | 4S-6S LiPo |
| Landing gear height | ~260mm |
| Folding | Umbrella-style foldable arms |
Applications
Where it is used.
- Aerial survey and mapping platforms
- Aerial photography and cinematography
- FPV long-range camera builds
- ArduPilot / APM autonomous flight platforms
- Field operations needing portable transport
- Sensor and payload carrying drones
Buying guide
How to choose.
The ZD550 is a frame kit, so plan for four 3508-class motors, 12-15 inch propellers, four 30A-40A ESCs, a flight controller such as a Pixhawk or APM board, GPS, a radio system and a 4S-6S battery. Its 630g bare weight and 12-15 inch prop capacity make it efficient for longer flight times than a 5 inch quad.
Choose the ZD550 if portability matters: the umbrella folding arms make it far easier to carry between survey or photography sites than a fixed-arm frame, while still locking into a rigid flying geometry. If you do not need to fold and want maximum payload, the larger ZD680 offers more lift at the cost of bulk.
For survey and mapping work, mount your camera or sensor on the underside with vibration isolation and confirm the all-up weight stays within your motors' thrust margin. Pick lower-KV 3508 motors (around KV380-KV420) on 4S-6S for efficient cruising, and check 12-15 inch prop clearance against the folded and deployed arm positions.
FAQ
Common questions.
Is the ZD550 a quadcopter or hexacopter?
The ZD550 is a four-arm quadcopter frame with a 550mm wheelbase. Its sibling models in the same LJI series include larger quad and hexacopter frames, so check the model number to be sure you are getting the 550mm quad rather than a different configuration.
How do the folding arms work?
The arms use an umbrella-style fold with CNC aluminium brackets and steel/brass hardware. They collapse inward for transport and lock into a slight upward angle when deployed, giving a compact carry size and a rigid, repeatable flying geometry once unfolded.
What motors and propellers fit?
The ZD550 is designed for 3508-class brushless motors, commonly around KV380-KV420, swinging 12 to 15 inch propellers. Pair them with 30A-40A ESCs and a 4S-6S battery, and size the combination to your intended payload for efficient, stable flight.
What payload can it carry?
Exact payload depends on your motor, prop and battery choice, so it is not fixed by the frame alone. With efficient 3508 motors and 15 inch props on 6S, the 550mm platform can lift a camera or sensor package, provided total all-up weight stays within the motors' thrust margin.
Which flight controller is recommended?
The ZD550 is commonly paired with ArduPilot/APM or PX4 controllers such as Pixhawk, which support GPS waypoint missions, return-to-home and the autonomous modes useful for survey and mapping. Any modern multirotor flight controller suited to a quad will work.
Does it include a landing gear?
Yes, the kit includes a carbon-fibre landing skid with around 260mm of height, giving ground clearance for an underslung camera or sensor and protecting the payload on landing. The skid attaches to the main plate as part of the frame assembly.
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