EagleRay: amphibious drone can swim and fly

Engineers from the University of North Carolina have invented a rather interesting device. Working on creating drones capable of flying and swimming, the engineers decided to experiment – they created a symbiosis of a flying and a swimming apparatus. As a result, the amphibious drone called EagleRay has gone viral on the internet and has gained hundreds of thousands of fans.

EagleRay: amphibious drone can swim and fly

In fact, the engineers did not make a scientific breakthrough. Similar rigid-wing structures are known to designers and innovators. However, experts assure that the use of solar panels for autonomous electricity generation by the amphibious drone is a first. Moreover, before diving into the water, the drone does not fold its wings. Accordingly, the mobile device can surface from the water and immediately gain altitude.

 With a wingspan of 1.5 meters and a length of 1.4 meters, the amphibious drone features a single propeller installed at the nose. In addition to solar panels, the aircraft-boat is equipped with storage batteries, sensors, and sonars that allow the operator to navigate the terrain. While engineers from North Carolina were uploading entertainment videos online, discussions about upgrading the versatile device appeared on technical forums. There are indications that military agencies may adopt the development.