4 ms·

I don't get why it needs massive heavy tyres. Wouldn't it be better to have a mobile platform from where it lifted off from saving quite a bit of weight. I mean

by awjr 13y ago

I don't get why it needs massive heavy tyres. Wouldn't it be better to have a mobile platform from where it lifted off from saving quite a bit of weight. I mean the wheels and suspension must way rather a lot. This is a supply unit.

jffry 13y ago
I think the idea is that it can drive quickly overland where it is smooth enough for wheels, but still have the multiple rotors to be able to go over things that it can't easily drive over
- danbruc 13y ago
  And you get the benefit that driving consumes a lot less fuel and may actually extended the range depending on the usual ratio between driving and flying.
jws 13y ago
You may be supplying or evacuating casualties from an area covered in trees, buildings, or enemy arms. You don't want to load and unload in a landing zone, it takes time, men, and equipment and makes a target.
- midas007 13y ago
  If it's intended for tactical uses, it needs to be more robust to take more abuse in unfriendly terrain. ;)
cstejerean 13y ago
The off road driving module is optional. From the article "Additionally, the modular automobile portion of the vehicle can be removed for additional payload capacity or replaced with a boat hull or an amphibious hull for water operations."
samstave 13y ago
It should have a detachable undercarriage which it can land onto to get the off road capability, while without that - it would just have regular stilt-like legs... Actually - an autonomous under belly with engine for driving around - which can be mated to the flight portion (where the flight capability was not removed by mating) would be interesting. Basically you have a waypoint where the mating happens; flight body returns to way point for pickup & mating -- as does the drive train. Drive train carries casualties/supplies to the waypoint for transport/extraction...
- lotsofmangos 13y ago
  You are onto something there. You can get the flight portion to nip off for supplies and come back while you continue on your journey.

by awjr 13y ago

jffry 13y ago

I think the idea is that it can drive quickly overland where it is smooth enough for wheels, but still have the multiple rotors to be able to go over things that it can't easily drive over

danbruc 13y ago
And you get the benefit that driving consumes a lot less fuel and may actually extended the range depending on the usual ratio between driving and flying.

jws 13y ago

You may be supplying or evacuating casualties from an area covered in trees, buildings, or enemy arms. You don't want to load and unload in a landing zone, it takes time, men, and equipment and makes a target.

midas007 13y ago
If it's intended for tactical uses, it needs to be more robust to take more abuse in unfriendly terrain. ;)

cstejerean 13y ago

The off road driving module is optional. From the article "Additionally, the modular automobile portion of the vehicle can be removed for additional payload capacity or replaced with a boat hull or an amphibious hull for water operations."

samstave 13y ago

It should have a detachable undercarriage which it can land onto to get the off road capability, while without that - it would just have regular stilt-like legs... Actually - an autonomous under belly with engine for driving around - which can be mated to the flight portion (where the flight capability was not removed by mating) would be interesting. Basically you have a waypoint where the mating happens; flight body returns to way point for pickup & mating -- as does the drive train. Drive train carries casualties/supplies to the waypoint for transport/extraction...

lotsofmangos 13y ago
You are onto something there. You can get the flight portion to nip off for supplies and come back while you continue on your journey.