Quadshot: A helicopter that flies like an airplane and performs stunts in air

Helicopters have always been qualitatively different from the airplanes. As, they have rotating wings powered by heavy motors and used for military purposes and short distance travel in difficult areas. Whereas, the airplanes move smoothly through the air, do not have any rotating wing on top and considered useful for long distance travel and other commercial purposes. But, all this could change. A new model aircraft designed by engineers at Santa Cruz could define the future of aircrafts as it combines the best of both the airplanes and helicopters.

Quadshot

Named as Quadshot, the new helicopter is the latest model of unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) that can be controlled by a remote. It can fly like an airplane and also allows you to perform thrilling stunts and capture the moment by placing your camera at an inbuilt camera mounting point.

The engineers have equipped this new helicopter with advanced open source technologies, sensors and flight control softwares. It uses an open source autopilot electronic system called Lisa/M that serves as the brain of the helicopter. This electronic brain can take inertial measurements. Also, it can take decisions for navigation with the help of instruments like accelerometers and gyroscopes that give information about the directions in which the helicopter is moving. The gyroscopes also give information about the speed of the motors to the system.

Quadshot is also a qudrocopter that has four propellors, or motors, pointing upward and flies by changing the relative speed of one or more propellor for tilting or spinning the entire aircraft in desired direction. However, it uses a new 'flying wing' design that allows it to either hover or move horizontally in the air like an airplane. The engineers have used a one meter long-curved wing made up of EPP foam with four motors placed along its length. This wing has also been fitted with carbon fiber for more strength.

Flying Quadshot could be a thrilling experience for all air enthusiasts. You can fly it like a regular airplane by just turning on a switch or perform stunts in the air by turning on the aerobatic-flight mode. It can fly for around 10-20 minutes in the air.The engineers are at present trying to collect funds for this innovative helicopter for a large scale commercial production. You can reserve one for you by paying $300 in advance, while the retail price for this helicopter is expected to be around $400.

Via: Gizmag