We have featured plenty of different drone designs here on Geeky Gadgets over the years, but this latest drone called the Loon Copter is capable of flying, floating and even diving underwater when required.
Designed by Oakland University the Loon Copter drone is equipped with buoyancy chambers that allow it to sink under the water with ease, and can be seen in action in the video below.
To take to the air once again the small drone will then pump out the buoyancy Chambers allowing it to fly away from the water surface. Lead scientist Dr. Osamah Rawashdeh explains more :
We are looking into acoustic modems, repeater buoys, and some other techniques that could allow streaming of live video for operator feedback as well as data and control commands. For open-water applications, we can have the vehicle dive at predefined GPS points to various depths autonomously and follow some pre-programmed movement patters underwater to collect data or video footage.
The Loon Copter drone is currently still in its development stages at the current time but possible future applications include search and rescue, underwater pipeline and bridge support inspections as well as a wealth of other jobs that require a drone capable of both air flight and underwater exploration. For more information on full specifications jump over to the Oakland University official website via the link below.
Source: Gizmag : Oakland University : Drones for Good