Engineers at The University of Manchester have created the world’s largest quadcopter drone. This drone is quite unique as it’s made from a material called foamboard, measuring 6.4 meters (21 feet) from corner to corner and weighing 24.5 kilograms, just under the weight limit allowed by aviation authorities.
What sets this drone apart is its innovative design. It has four arms made of hollow box structures that can be detached for easy transport. This kind of large, purpose-built drone has never been made before.
The project initially began as a way to encourage students’ creativity in design while using an environmentally friendly and low-cost material instead of carbon fiber.
Unlike carbon fiber, the foamboard material can be easily recycled or even composted, making it more sustainable. The hope is that this project will inspire future designers to think differently about sustainability in aerospace design.
