Boeing has been given a patent for a new kind of amphibious drone that’s like something straight out of a classic spy movie. The aeronautics giant has a novel design for an unmanned aerial drone that can spontaneously convert into an unmanned submarine and go for a dive.
Boeing’s take on a real world “transformer” begins with a drone that is launched aboard a large carrier aircraft and then separated near its target spot for entering the water. When the craft hits the water, some combination of its rear wings, stabilizer and one of its sets of propelling blades detach to make it more maneuverable underwater.
Boeing’s latest patent application is yet more evidence of just how rapidly drone technology is advancing: it shows an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that can, at a moment’s notice, swoop down into the depths of the ocean and continue its journey underwater. The official name for this futuristic bit of equipment is a “rapid deployment air and water vehicle”.
The intention is for the drone to be launched from an aircraft. After the drone finds the perfect patch of water to explore, it lowers itself towards the surface. As it hits the water, the drone sheds off parts of its wings to become more streamlined, either by using exploding bolts or even a glue which dissolves in salt water. After the little drone (now swimming using propellers) finishes collecting data, it resurfaces and signals home. It can then be located, so long as it floats on top of the waves.
As the Pentagon expands its drone programs, weapons-makers are coming up with increasingly outlandish ideas for unmanned vehicles.
The Department of Defense announced it would increase the number of daily drone flights to as many as 90 by 2019, involving more service branches and even civilian contractors. If engineers can translate concept drawings into reality, some of those flights may be conducted by Boeing machines designed to operate both in the air and under water.