"I see transition occurring two ways, either a gradual spool out while moving forward, or a sudden release / drop from stationary.
I'm interested in using just the rotors to control direction of flight, and a single servo to spool in / out, so no…"
Would it be feasible to have a retracting rectangular parachute draped on the frame to increase range when cruising? During take-off or maneuvers it would be pulled taut against the top of the frame but a servo would spool it out and then the drone…