Chinese scientists from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center (CARDC) have unveiled a revolutionary drone design, Feiyi, marking a new milestone in multi-environment unmanned vehicle technology. Feiyi’s unique and groundbreaking feature lies in its ability to be deployed directly from a submarine, seamlessly execute missions both in the air and underwater, and then autonomously return to the vessel.
The core of this versatility lies in its advanced folding wing design. When operating underwater, the folding wings minimize hydrodynamic drag, optimizing movement efficiency and enhancing stealth capabilities. To transition to aerial operation, Feiyi utilizes a completely independent dual propulsion system. In the air, four rotors (quad-rotor) ensure agile and stable flight. Underwater, four vectored thrusters provide precise directional and depth control.
The deployment and retrieval process is optimized for efficiency and speed. Upon launch from a submarine and surfacing, Feiyi can self-stabilize against wave action. Subsequently, four rotor arms rapidly deploy, allowing the drone to take off. After completing its aerial mission and landing back on the water’s surface, the drone’s wings can fold in just 5 seconds, ready for submersion and return to the submarine.
To ensure stable and accurate operation during complex environmental transitions, Feiyi integrates Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) technology. This advanced control method effectively compensates for external forces from both air and water, enabling the drone to perform various tasks in a single deployment while maintaining high precision.
With this unique capability, Feiyi is expected to unlock significant applications in the military domain, including covert maritime reconnaissance, surveillance of adversary activities, and potential engagement of surface targets. Simultaneously, this technology promises substantial benefits in civilian applications, such as marine environmental monitoring, underwater resource exploration, and support for maritime search and rescue operations.