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| Hybrid Unmanned Aerial and Submersible Vehicle |
A hybrid vehicle technology developed by Khalifa University professor Dr. Yahya Zweiri, Director, Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC), has secured a patent for the Hybrid Unmanned Aerial and Submersible Vehicle (UASV) representing a significant advancement in multifunctional autonomous vehicles.
Capable of operating as an aerial drone, water surface vehicle, and an underwater submersible, this platform addresses a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring and search and rescue operations.
The UASV, described in the patent ‘US 12,037,095 B2’ is capable of seamlessly transitioning between air, water, and underwater operations. A fuselage, wing structures, a propulsion system, and a tail assembly allow the vehicle to adapt to different environments.
Professor Yahya Zweiri said: “The development of this hybrid vehicle showcases Khalifa University’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering and innovation. Receiving the US patent highlights the potential impact on various industries and applications and demonstrates the university’s enterprising approach to research and development.”
The patented UASV technology developed by Professor Zweiri at Khalifa University has far-reaching implications for fields such as environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and security applications, to monitor missions from a safe location, eliminating risks to personnel, and reducing cost.
A unique wing tilting mechanism, which allows the wings to rotate 360 degrees enables the vehicle to adjust its configuration for optimal performance and a smooth transition between aerial, surface, and underwater modes. The tilting wings also allow the UASV to take off and land on water or any surface without the need for a runway, providing a fast and seamless air-to-water transition.
The UASV also features a propeller protection system, a landing system, control surfaces, and an array of sensors to enhance its versatility and safety.
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