Researchers at Singapore’s University of Technology and Design have built a lightweight monocopter aircraft that is capable of active directed flight.
The 32g aircraft, which has a 26-minute flight time, is powered by a single motor and propeller and features an optimised wing-shaped design.
While the hardware is simple, the monocopter’s performance is dependent on a complex software system that stabilises the aircraft.
The monocopter is capable of self-stabilisation in flight, with alignment and balance being key to its performance.
Earlier models of the monocopter lacked direction flight capabilities and were more akin to gliders.
The latest aircraft is more drone-like, with its single propeller allowing for controlled flight and manoeuvrability, demonstrating the potential of small-scale monocopters for surveillance and delivery applications.
