China A new drone model with a unique design was launched at the 25th China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen on November 19.
Parallel wing drone on display outdoors. Video: CMG
The Changchun Institute of Optics, Precision Mechanics and Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences independently designed and manufactured a parallel-wing drone with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. The drone, which has two fixed wings and multiple propellers, is said to be the first of its kind in the world. The new vehicle was unveiled at the 25th China High-Tech Expo in Shenzhen, southern China, on November 19.
The research team at the Changchun Institute of Optics, Precision Mechanics and Physics used many advanced technologies for the drone, from the transmission system and multi-sensor information fusion to the flight control system and algorithms. The drone can take off and land normally in conditions as low as -40 degrees Celsius, strong winds, and operate at an altitude of 5,500 meters, breaking some performance limits for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
"With two sets of wings, the drone can take off and land perfectly vertically without needing a runway or taxiing, greatly increasing convenience. Compared with traditional fixed-wing UAVs, the size of the new drone model is reduced by 4-5 times," said Liao Dongpo, an expert at the Institute of Optics, Precision Mechanics and Physics of Changchun.
The tandem-wing drone is powered by lithium batteries. The propellers provide upward thrust during vertical takeoff, then provide horizontal thrust as the drone flies forward. The high energy efficiency gives the drone good payload capacity and long battery life. "The total weight of the drone and cargo can be up to 50 kg. The payload capacity of this vehicle is 17-18 kg and the flight time is about 4 hours," Liao added.
The new drone model will have wide applications in ensuring the safety of power facilities, oil and gas pipelines, in forestry, emergency rescue, surveying and mapping, and many other fields.
Thu Thao (According to CGTN )
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