To implement the "Transformer" (TX), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Pentagon's research arm makes as loose $ 3.05 million. It will establish a four-seater, which is transformed as required by the all-terrain vehicle into a flying machine.
Alternatives
Since 2009, DARPA dream car from the helicopter. The contract for the AAI team achieving moves much closer. The group includes, among other things, the company Terrafugia, which has the "Transition" announced a flying car for the civilian sector. But the Transformer should be much more flexible. In particular one of the requirements of DARPA that really VTOL and-landing is possible. So shall the military jeep obstacles such as rivers, but also improvised explosive devices, just glance through.
The AAI Design is betting that if necessary, a rotor mast is extended. A special rotor technology company CarterCopter is used, reports Aviation Week. This allows the flying jeep to reduce with increasing speed, the rotor speed and to set a faster flight on extendable wings. A turboprop engine caused by operation mode for the rotation of the rotor, or supplies power to the wheel motors.
Suitable for everyone
Other DARPA requirements, the AAI and its partners must meet, includes an automated take-off and landing. This is to ensure that ordinary soldiers can use the helicopter car without special training. A design challenge is that the transformer needs to prepare as much as possible to fire from small arms to withstand. Is also possible that DARPA mandated nor a competing development. Then the AAI Transformer would probably compete with a TX-implementation of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
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