Here's the head-to-head comparison of payload, range, and flight time for the two systems:
| Spec | Draganfly Apex (Apex Ultra) | Microavia Drone-in-a-Box |
|---|---|---|
| Max payload | 3,000 g | 3,000 g |
| Max range | 16 km | 15 km |
| Max flight time | 45 min | 60 min |
Summary:
- Payload is identical at 3,000 g for both platforms.
- Range is very close — the Draganfly Apex edges ahead at 16 km vs. 15 km.
- Flight time is where they differ most: the Microavia Drone-in-a-Box flies 60 minutes vs. 45 minutes for the Apex.
Both systems run NVIDIA Jetson Orin for onboard AI. The Microavia system also stands out as a complete autonomous package — its EO/IR drone pairs with a weatherproof docking station featuring automated battery swap, and it carries a wind resistance rating of 15 m/s with an operating temperature range of -35 °C to 55 °C. The Apex Ultra configuration adds Jetson Orin computing on the North American-built quadcopter platform (5,000 g, 5G connectivity).
Bottom line: if maximum endurance is the priority, the Microavia Drone-in-a-Box offers 15 extra minutes of flight time with a comparable payload and range, plus the automated battery-swap docking infrastructure. If slightly longer range and 5G connectivity matter more, the Apex holds a small edge there.