China has reportedly developed a new drone which is capable of operating both underwater and in the air. Named “Feiyi” by Chinese researchers, the amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is touted for its military potential, with capabilities in marine reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike operations.
The drone was developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre.
Chinese scientists have developed the world’s first drone that can be launched from a submarine and can both fly and swim underwater, – South China Morning Post. pic.twitter.com/hXjlV2qjXr
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Feiyi is built with a rotary-folding arm mechanism, allowing it to fold its arms for underwater movement and extend them for aerial flight. The drone uses separate propulsion systems: a quad-rotor system for aerial operations and four underwater thrusters for precise navigation underwater.
It is equipped with Active Disturbance Rejection Control, a system that stabilizes the drone during cross-medium operations. It can shift from underwater navigation to aerial flight in under 10 seconds with high accuracy.
Trials showed that Feiyi performs smoothly in both environments. Underwater, it can hover, dive, and ascend at speeds of up to two meters per second. In the air, it flies at a top speed of three meters per second.
Analysts claim that the drone poses a threat to the U.S. military. According to the South China Morning Post, U.S.’ underwater drones must be transported to the surface in a torpedo-like tube and lack mobility underwater. Once deployed, they must remain in the air, making them more vulnerable to attack.
According to reports, Beijing also plans to develop various types of cross-medium weapons, some of which may feature solid-fuel ramjet engines for high-speed cruising in both aerial and underwater environments.
