US Navy’s solar drone takes off and lands on water

    Source: Engadget
    By: Mariella Moon

    aqua-quad

    Unlike most quadcopters, the Aqua-Quad doesn’t take off from solid ground. Dr. Kevin Jones and his team from the Naval Postgraduate School developed it to fly straight up from the ocean or any body of water. And it can land back on water after it has fulfilled its mission, staying on or under the surface until it’s deployed again. According to New Scientist, the Aqua-Quad (PDF) could be used to replace sonobuoys to search for submarines, especially enemy subs that might be lurking in the depths of the country’s oceans.

    They’re even better than the actual expendable sonar systems, because they’re not constrained by battery life: the drone’s rotors are covered in solar cells and can generate power after a little time under the sun. In addition, it can hunt for subs in flocks in case the Navy wants to scour a big area more quickly. Jones told the publication that as a sonobuoy replacement, the drone “[will] be on the water 23 hours a day, and flying maybe one hour a day.” It was designed as a “launch and forget” system with a water-tight enclosure, though, so we’re guessing it’s tough enough to endure the ocean’s harsh conditions.

     

    GET THE LATEST DRONE NEWS
    I agree to have my personal information transferred to MailChimp - Our Email Provider ( more information )
    Join thousands of members who receive our exclusive Drone Leaks, the latest Drone News, exclusive videos, tips and tricks relating to all things quadcopter and drone.
    We hate spam. You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Author: Felix

    Share This Post On

    Submit a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Get unedited Mavic 2 Pro Sample Images!​

    Enter your email to get the Mavic 2 Sample Images, straight as the files came ouf of the drone. You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Yes I Want! 
    Get your own Camera Test Chart

    Enter your email to get the Camera Test Chart we use! We hate Spam & You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Give me the Chart! 
    Download High-Res Comparison & Camera Test Chart

    Enter your email to get the Mavic 2 Pro Aperture Test Images, as well as the Camera Test Chart. You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Send them to me!
    OSMO Action Resources

    Enter your email to get the Osmo Action Resources! You can unsubscribe at any time.
    YES! I want the goods!
    Mini 2. Here Now.
    close-image

    Don't ever miss another Drone Leak !

    Know when the next model is coming. Get advanced notice so you can list your old Drone for sale!
    SUBSCRIBE
    close-link