From the Singapore University of Technology and Design, an original hybrid VTOL consisting of a monocopter that can transition to fixed wing. Supported soon by Ardupilot? Maybe or maybe not, builders needed!
Source and more information: IEEE Spectrum
Quite impressive work. It of course loses some altitude when it transitions back to the spin but not as much as you might expect. Clearly works better on a small vehicle rather than a large one. Still, very nice.
Yes, the transition could use some improvements, if that’s possible at all …
Btw my understanding from this article is that they are currently working on an auto-rotation feature also, which would bring one huge additional advantage to this architecture.
Also they plan to release it commercially when that’s done, should be very interesting!
