Defense Department reveals 'Transformer' style shape-shifting drones

The Defense Department has unveiled new shape-shifting military drones that can transform into different vehicles.

08:18 15 February 2014

The Defense Department has unveiled new shape-shifting military drones designed to carry cargo or evacuate troops. These drones have the capability to transform into different vehicles, which can be flown unmanned and can collect intelligence.

 

The new concept images show that the modular flying drones could easily adapt depending on the particular mission.

 

The ARES, Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System are expected to work by dropping off soldiers in dangerous warzones, make cargo drops, and deliver supplies to areas that are too remote for cars and trucks to drive to.

 

DARPA program manager Ashish Bagai said: 'Many missions require dedicated vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) assets, but most ground units don't have their own helicopters,'

 

'ARES would make organic and versatile VTOL capability available to many more individual units.

 

'Our goal is to provide flexible, terrain-independent transportation that avoids ground-based threats, in turn supporting expedited, cost-effective operations and improving the likelihood of mission success.'

 

Gizmodo reports that a pair of ducted fans will help provide the push off the ground to allow it to propel, and then those same ducts would convert and push the air backwards, effectively bringing the vehicle both up and out. The machines would be able to hold up to 3,000 pounds.