Drones

X PlusOne drone hovers steady, but also flies nose-first at 60 mph

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The X PlusOne functions as both a hovering quadcopter and a forward-flying fixed-wing aircraft
The X PlusOne functions as both a hovering quadcopter and a forward-flying fixed-wing aircraft
When used in "hover" mode, the X PlusOne is able to perform smooth vertical take-offs and landings, plus it can also obtain aerial video from either a built-in miniature camera or an optional gimbal-stabilized GoPro
Flipping a switch on the radio remote-control unit causes the aircraft to turn onto its side and go into "cruise" mode
It can then fly forward at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph)
If things start getting a little out-of-hand, flipping the remote's auto recovery switch will put the aircraft into an auto-leveled hover
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Both Google and Belgium's Katholieke Universiteit Leuven are working on drone-based delivery projects that utilize UAVs which take off and land vertically, but that can also tip sideways to transition into fast and efficient fixed-wing flight. If you're thinking that it would be neat to purchase a consumer drone that could do the same thing – combining the hovering capability of a quadcopter with the speed of a "flying wing"-type plane –  a new one may soon be available, in the form of the X PlusOne.

When used in "hover" mode, the X PlusOne is able to perform smooth vertical take-offs and landings, plus it can also obtain aerial video from either a built-in miniature camera or an optional gimbal-stabilized GoPro.

Flipping a switch on the radio remote-control unit, however, causes the aircraft to turn onto its side and go into "cruise" mode. It can then fly forward at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph). By contrast, a DJI Phantom quadcopter has a maximum horizontal speed of about 36 km/h (22 mph).

It can then fly forward at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph)

Control algorithms reportedly keep the X PlusOne stable in both hover and cruise, although if things start getting a little out-of-hand in either mode, flipping the remote's auto recovery switch will put the aircraft into an auto-leveled hover.

Flight time is about 10 to 15 minutes per battery charge, depending on use.

So, why would a hobbyist want their quadcopter to also be able to fly like a fixed-wing plane? Well, partly just for fun – it's like having a radio-controlled helicopter and airplane combined in one device. Additionally, however, the aircraft could be used for shooting tracking footage of fast-moving subjects, or for getting exciting high-speed "fly-by" shots.

Its designers are now raising production funds, on Kickstarter. Various packages are available, although a pledge of US$479 is required to get a fully-assembled model with transmitter – assuming all goes according to plan. Potential buyers might also want to check out the somewhat similar Quadshot.

A prototype X PlusOne can be seen in action, in the video below.

Sources: xCraft, Kickstarter

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3 comments
Bill Bennett
Impressive.
Michael Crumpton
I would have thought a Star wars X wing would have been an natural for a quadcopter or maybe a B wing.
ezeflyer
I love this thing. Few moving parts, fast, highly maneuverable, small footprint. What's not to like?