A cheap drone that doesn't need fuel. Free Technical Library News

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Cheap drone that doesn't need fuel

06.05.2019

In the modern world, drones have turned out to be so in demand that the technology for their creation is developing by leaps and bounds. Therefore, it is not surprising when the next drone makes a splash, especially when it comes to military developments. However, Phoenix, the new drone in service with the UK, could fundamentally change the entire modern industry.

With a length of 15 meters and a wingspan of just 10,3 meters, the Phoenix looks like a small flying bomb covered in solar panels. The press release notes that the drone "uses a variable buoyancy propulsion system" to move through the air. In fact, this means that in flight, the Phoenix sucks air into the internal inflatable tank, which makes it heavier and dives forward, losing altitude. Then the air is released and the drone moves forward again, but with a climb. To facilitate this process, there is always a supply of helium or hydrogen on board.

Since the Phoenix does not have an internal combustion engine and no need for fuel, in theory the drone could stay at the right altitude indefinitely and act as a flying sensor or communications hub for the military. A fuselage with carbon fiber wings costs so little (especially compared to other military drones) that the designers who designed it jokingly refer to the drone as a "disposable" drone.

It is currently stated that Phoenix can be used as a satellite alternative - it will allow safe signal transmission over a distance of a thousand kilometers. In addition, the drone can act as a platform for tracking the movements of the enemy. The cheapness of the drone allows mobile units to keep many of these devices in stock, deploying them when needed.

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