Video Of The Week: “B” QuadCopter/Car Hybrid

Video Of The Week: “B” QuadCopter/Car Hybrid

We were blown away by this video from Wito Mielnicze of his invention… the B quadcopter/car hybrid. The B features full-time 4WD via unique rim-drive wheels, each encircling a brushlless-motor-powered prop that allows full quad-copter flying capability. The carcopter is still in prototype stages (we found the B on Kickstarter), but it looks production-ready. Take a look at the video and the excerpt from Wito’s Kickstarter presentation that follows–it’s an impressive machine!

 

[From the Kickstarter presentation] B is a toy that provides an extraordinary experience. B is virtually unstoppable, capable of transitioning between ground and air allowing the development of tricks otherwise impossible to achieve.

Due to its large wheel diameter of 220 mm it achieves outstanding performance in difficult terrain. On flat surfaces B reaches high speeds.

394d2a8d36b406a1652a39507b3feead_large

da82506565bf0ab1d062c6a359c818f3_large

 

  • Vertical take-off and landing.
  • Able to transition on the move between driving, flying and back again.
  • Up to 15 minutes of action on a single charge.
  • HD (1280 x 720 px) camera on-board with recording capability.
  • An experience which has not been possible within one package before.
  • Durable construction that is designed with punishing terrain in mind.

The combination of the design and material selection creates a solid construction that is capable of surviving the worst of landings. 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.

b168b756d301b91733e0cff5d41864e2_large

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 wheels naturally guard the blades around them. If an impact occurs on the side of the vehicle, the prop-saver will protect the blades.

Quality electrical components including brushless motors, lithium batteries and sophisticated a flight controller. Will provide you with performance and safety when operating.

1b5113654927aa108b9f45c17b2111c8_large

 

HD camera (1280×720 px) on board will capture video footage from your exploration missions, performing acrobatic tricks or shooting yourself from the extreme perspectives. The camera supports Micro SD Cards up to 32 GB.

59068c6d1d920f28d19e6dd03b6659c6_large

B currently is protected by patent pending. The patentable aspect of the design is called PDU (Propelling Driving Unit). The patentable mechanism can be briefly described as any part of the propeller going through the vertical plane of the driving ring (such as a wheel or a caterpillar track). B utilizes 4 wheel based PDUs, but this can vary in design such as 3, 4, 6, etc… therefore a family of similar models could be designed in the future.

638c7a4ce83638e825865e5a61049f36_large

 

e21651545aeceb83c971e740e4c262c9_large

Future Possibilities

  • Exploration Vehicle: the body of B could be covered in solar panels, which enables charging from the sun or the use of freely rotating propellers against the wind to generate extra power when stationary. Even if the charging time would take a few days, B could autonomously conduct exploration missions, land in a safe place, charge and then travel depending on environment either by flying or driving. Providing interesting video footage and still images, B may be able to discover new species which we may not have discovered yet (we have only discovered less than 15% of the world’s species).
  • Full-scale vehicle: a future sport could be born here as B can provide amazing performance in the air as well as on the ground. Sports such as motor-cross, but with more interesting tracks can create a new generation of extreme sporting events which were not possible before.
  • Full-scale rescue vehicle: that could get to the site of an accident before a helicopter or ambulance. Given that B can drive as well as fly, there is no need for extra infrastructure such as a helicopter landing site.

 

2eeebb81ad7f74554cec881b313404b4_large

 

Never miss an issue of RC Car Action!

Subscribe today with a Digital Edition subscription or Print + Digital combo!

 

Updated: May 30, 2013 — 1:11 PM
Air Age Media ©