Danish students print a drone that can fly and swim underwater
A group of students from Aalborg University have developed a hybrid drone that can fly, dive underwater, maneuver under the surface, and then take off again — all in one cycle.
The parts of the device were made using 3D printing, and the key element was a system of propellers that change the angle of inclination. Due to the simplicity of the design and the availability of technology, the development can become the basis for inexpensive drones for various purposes — from underwater reconnaissance to rescue operations.
Versatility is ensured by variable-pitch propellers. Depending on the environment, the blades change the angle of inclination: in the air, they create lift, and underwater, they reduce drag and allow precise control of movement. Moreover, the propellers are capable of generating negative thrust, which improves maneuverability underwater.
