Claims It Can Fly Twice As Long As A Standard Quadcopter

Swiss researchers at Flybotix are working on a new type of drone that could lead to a substantial increase in flight time.

Rather than four or more small rotors, the Flybotix drone has only two larger rotors, one on top of the other and rotating in opposite directions, enclosed in a full shroud. The theory is that reducing the number of rotors places less drain on the aircraft's batteries, increasing flight time. The cowling increases the aircraft's aerodynamic properties, which adds to the energy savings.

Engadget reports that such designs have been tried before, but they have been difficult to control. Flybotix says it has solved that problem using a simple, algorithm-powered stabilization system that automatically determines how much to offset the speed and pitch of each rotor. That makes the aircraft operate in much the same way as a quadcopter, using familiar controls.

In a video posted to YouTube by the company, research lead Samir Bouabdallah said the drone is primarily being developed for industrial inspection use, but it "can also be used in other applications like public safety, law enforcement and [any] applications where miniaturization of drones is necessary."

(Image from Flybotix YouTube video)

FMI: www.flybotix.com
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