Launch unmanned unmanned floatplane

For the first time, scientists have designed an unmanned floating seaplane to land on the water. This automatic device is called Flying Fish, which operates on the water surface. When needed, it will take off and fly over thousands of meters.

Equipped with a global positioning system and solar panels, this seaplane has the potential to expand monitoring activities on water, sea, etc. (currently limited by the cost of the child. research vessels or fixed buoys).

" They operate on water, and they do not need a structure for storage or landing and that makes them more free ," said team member Ella Atkins of the University of Michigan, identify.

In a recent sea trials, the device weighed nearly 10 kg and landed and landed 22 times. Although its electric motor still uses batteries, the team hopes to install additional components to harness solar power directly. The use of this seaplane will also save money, as at present, a marine research vessel consumes about $ 35,000 a day.

The next step for scientists is to install solar panels and add sensors.

Flying Fish. (Photo: Discovery)

T. An