When we think of the future of transportation, the first thing that typically comes to mind is the ability to one day have flying cars. Even with our current technological advances, such as cars that can read your mind to keep you focused on the road and self-driving cars, we probably think we still have some time before a flying car is invented — but think again.
Firmware engineer Thorstin Crijns, founder of Quadro USA, developed a multicopter prototype that transports a person through the air, creating what is essentially a flying car.
The autonomous human transport machine is equipped with 16 motors and props, and runs on lithium-ion batteries.
To find out how much thrust and power the multicopter would need, Crijns had to explore new disciplines like mechanical stress calculations and circuit design. Using formulas to calculate static thrust, he found that 16 pounds would generate 282 pounds of static thrust needed to lift both the multicopter and a person.
Crijns built the multicopter to run on electricity so he wouldn't have to deal with fuel. The li-poly cell lithium-ion polymer batteries provide a good weight-to-power ratio, but it's important to note that if the batteries ever go outside a 3.6-4.2v range, they run the risk of exploding.
Each engine uses a battery pack of 10 li-poly cells that produces 4.2v per cell, which provides 2.2A for one hour before it is empty.
Using his knowledge learned about thrust, power and battery, Crijns used formulas to visualize the operational time of the prototype.
While these are all important factors, developing a "car" that is lightweight is important for its ability to take fight, so Crijns made the computer-optimized frame out of 6060 aluminum, which is a medium-strength heat-treatable alloy.
The passenger controls the multicopter with MultiWii Autopilot, a control system that is able to keep the machine level — and prevent it from flipping — by adjusting the power on each motor.
After his calculations and designs, Crijns' creation weighs 110 pounds, and can hold the weight of a 132-pound person. Adding up to 242 pounds in total with its static thrust of 282 pounds, the multicopter is able to fly.
However, we're still a long way from what we envision flying cars to be. The prototype can only get a a few feet off the ground.
Watch Crijns test pilot the flying car in the video below.
Via: Engadget
Photo: Thorstin Crijns | YouTube
Be sure to follow Tech Times on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
