It could be the future of transportation – and is one of most impressive hi-tech toys on the market as well.
A British inventor has unveiled the B – and combined off road remote control car that can turn into a quadcopter and take off.
Witold Mielniczek of the University of Southampton says his invention could even be scaled up to create a full-sized car.
The B has both large off-road wheels and four rotor blades to turn it into a quadcopter – and its inventors say it could be scaled up to a full sized car
The B in mid-air: The rotors allow it to be controlled exactly like a normal quadcopter
‘B is a revolutionary new remote controlled hybrid car-helicopter with a patent pending design,’ he says on the Kickstarter site set up to fund the project.
‘It is capable of driving across difficult terrain using its large rear drive wheels and when the obstacles become too big, simply take-off and fly over them.’
Prototype cars have already been built, and are able to almost instantly swap from car to quadcopter.
‘B is a toy that provides an extraordinary experience,’ the site claims.
‘B is virtually unstoppable, capable of transitioning between ground and air allowing the development of tricks otherwise impossible to achieve.’
The car also has a HD video camera to send back live footage of its exploits – and luckily for novice pilots has been designed to survive major crashes.
‘The combination of the design and material selection creates a solid construction that is capable of surviving the worst of landings,’ the site says.
‘When the vehicle crashes from high altitudes, the driving rings detach from the housing and can be easily put back together.
‘The main chassis is made out of Polycarbonate, which is the same material used in protective goggles and bullet proof windows.’
How it works: The B is controlled by an on-board computer, with a HD video camera in its nose and a design its inventors say can survive most crashes
Inside the B: The design is based around a polycarbonate shell to protect the craft from crashes
‘The body shell not only serves as a protective and decorative feature, it is also a structural element.
‘The chassis when combined with the body shell not only forms a rigid and light construction that maintains its shape when flying or driving, but is also flexible enough to absorb excessive forces generated during crash landings.
‘Therefore, you can push B to the limits even when your skills are not at the highest level.
‘This makes B an excellent platform for all users ranging from newcomers to experts. ‘
The design is one of the first to combine a helicopter a car
Several prototypes have already been built, and the project hopes to raise £85,000 ($129,000) to begin production
Attribution: Mark Prigg, Daily Mail
