An autonomous flying ambulance has successfully completed its first solo test flight, offering a potential solution for challenging search and rescue missions.
Completing such missions in rough terrain or combat zones can be tricky, with helicopters currently offering the best transportation option in most cases.
However, these vehicles need clear areas to land, and in the case of war zones, helicopters tend to attract enemy fire.
This flying ambulance called
Cormorant could one day go where helicopters cannot.
Vehicle is designed to carry people or equipment without the need for a human pilot on board.
How does the Cormorant work?- The Cormorant uses ducted fans that are effectively shielded rotors.
- Aircraft does not need to worry about bumping into a wall and damaging the rotors.
- Another set of fans propels the vehicle forward.
- The vehicle has a decision making system to detect problems in inputs from sensors.
- It can try a different flight path or take a detour based on this system.
