SUTD Engineers Unveil 1.107 kg Sailboat Drone ALBATROSS
The ALBATROSS prototype lands on water via autorotation, then sails as a wind-propelled vessel with a range above 100 km, its SUTD team says.
Seven engineers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have built a lightweight sailboat drone named ALBATROSS. The prototype weighs 1.107 kg, according to techradar.com.
ALBATROSS is designed to be released from the air. While descending it rotates, slowing its fall before a controlled landing on water. Once on the surface, it converts into a wind-propelled vessel and automatically returns to an upright position.
For control, the drone uses three actuators and three main sensors, with a rudder for steering. The researchers claim it can cover an operating range of roughly above 100 km.
For comparison, an approximately 7 km range was reported for SailMAV, a figure ALBATROSS substantially exceeds, according to the researchers.
Autonomous sailing platforms such as Saildrone or Sailbuoy may require external support during some operations, the team noted.
Quick answers
What is ALBATROSS?
ALBATROSS is a lightweight sailboat drone prototype built by seven engineers at SUTD. It can be released from the air, descend via autorotation for a water landing, and then sail using wind propulsion.
How much does the ALBATROSS prototype weigh?
The prototype weighs 1.107 kg.
What is the operating range of ALBATROSS?
The researchers claim it can cover roughly above 100 km, which is substantially more than the approximately 7 km reported for SailMAV.