LAS VEGAS—Parrot isn't known for drones that fly particularly fast or high. That's not a bad thing, there's certainly a place in the market for models like the Bebop and Bebop 2—small, relatively inexpensive quadcopters that are best flown at moderate altitude and speed.

The latest addition to the family, the Disco, is a fixed-wing design with a single rear 8-inch propeller. That's a bold variation from typical consumer drones, which are almost exclusively four-rotor helicopters. Its body is foam, built up around a plastic frame, and the wings and rear propeller are modular, so they can be replaced if damaged.

Its camera is the same fish-eye model found in the Bebop series, and similarly it is placed in the nose and stabilized digitally. It's capable of capturing 1080p video and 14-megapixel stills in Raw or JPG format. The drone is in the prototype stages, and the only video footage of it in flight has been supplied by Parrot. But in that footage the digital stabilization system looks to do a solid job.

The drone can be controlled via the Parrot Skycontroller, a large remote that allows you to use your iPad (or digital goggles) to view through the camera's eye. You can also pilot with a tablet alone—although expect the range to be limited when doing so—or via a third-party remote that doesn't incorporate a Live View feed.

The Disco promises automated takeoff and landing, as well as an autopilot function that will prevent you from making maneuvers that could cause the aircraft to crash. And of course it has a return-to-home function. Parrot states that piloting is as easy as playing a video game. Automated waypoint flying is available as an in-app purchase with Parrot's FreeFlight iOS/Android control program.

The Skycontroller promises up to 1.2 miles of control range with the Bebop, so it makes sense that it would be similar with the Disco. The Disco can traverse that distance quite quickly, however, thanks to its promised 50mph top speed. You'll get less control range if controlling it with just a tablet or phone.

Flying time is estimated at 45 minutes, which is a huge upgrade over other drones. Most top out in the 20- to 25-minute range, and the small Bebop only netted about 8.5 minutes per battery in our tests. The Disco tips the scales at 700 grams, so U.S. pilots will have to register it with the FAA before flying.

As of now, the Disco is a prototype on display at a trade show, but it's an innovative design that shows a lot of promise, especially if it can get close to its promised flight time in the real world. Parrot promises to bring it to market in 2016. Pricing has not been set.