Morpho (VTOL)

Morpho is a prototype drone whose adaptive wings can reduce wind resistance. Swiss startup Elythor developed the drone. Elythor is a spinoff of the Lausanne Federal Polytechnic School (EPFL) research institute.[1][2]

Design

The drone has a bullet-shaped body with four arms and four wings that can pivot around the fuselage. The drone takes off vertically using the propellers on its four arms. It dynamically adjusts the angle of its wings to reduce drag. To move in the direction of the wind, it adjusts its wings to catch the wind and function as a sail. In forward flight, the drone body rotates into a horizontal position and moves its wings to parallel the ground and provide lift. Its wings can also be adjusted asymmetrically to compensate for off-center wind resistance. The drone's adaptive wing system increases energy efficiency. On the ground, Morpho is oriented vertically. Its wings angle downward like a four-legged tripod.[1]

Applications

Morpho could be used to inspect remote facilities such as power lines, power plants, wind turbines, and offshore oil platforms. Its adaptive wing system allows it to closely approach objects during inspections.[1]

References
  1. Coxworth, Ben (2023-05-05). "Wind-cheating Morpho combines qualities of copters and fixed-wing drones". New Atlas. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
  2. "Morpho Product Announcement". TAdviser.ru. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
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