CargoCopter is a drone printed entirely in 3D which was developed by researchers from the University of Louvain (KU Leuven).
As its name suggests, this drone hybrid by its operation system is able to carry loads over long distances. According to Bart Theys, one of its designers, CargoCopter can carry payloads of up to 5 kg and reach speeds totalling 150 km / h and distances of 60 km.
3D printing is a valuable tool for the design of drones, not only for amateurs. It allows fast iterations and tests that are required in the development of flying vehicles.
The current design of CargoCopter is the result of a three year-development. The multiple prototyping operations carried out thanks to 3D printing made it possible to readjust and optimize the capacities, design and resistance of this drone.
Outlook
Many companies, such as Amazon, already work on the development of drones for parcel delivery. The US company had its first attempt to deliver drones to Cambridge last year and recently submitted a patent for a drone warehouse flying in the sky.
The use of 3D printing in the design process is proving to be a major asset for creations, in terms of design as well as prototyping or manufacturing costs.
One can therefore expect other innovative drones such as the CargoCopter in the months or years to come.
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