Every year or so, some research group posts a video of a "cyclocopter" flying. I'm not sure why (this article suggest they might be more efficient than traditional helicopters, and that people have been pursing them for a century).
Anyway, here's the latest from a Korean university lab. I wish I could tell you more but their information link is dead.
Comments
I do agree with all the above regarding efficiency loss towards multicopters but this might design might be able to move on the ground and maybe water as well with some more innovation involved.
It looks like a way for lot of grad students to combine their independent research into 1 vehicle. 1 guy studies bike chains. Another guy studies airfoils. Another guy studies paddle wheels.
always good to see a different way of doing things . keep up the good work.
I am sure that this type of project helps inspire new ways to solve problems
Probably the same way as a traditional hex or quad by increasing and decreasing motor speeds separately .
I've thought about the fact that a design like this would definitely work... But I am skeptical that its more efficient than a traditional hex or octocopter.