This UAV has 4 rotors/motors but 3 ducts. For long distance forward flight I feel 3 ducts and four motors is the most low profile design, thus efficient. Two of the forward motors are used for forward flight, but all 3 for vertical take off and landing. 1 cowling at the rear contains 2 props and 2 motors creating contra rotational propeller movement. Ducted fans aren’t widely used although now technology is catching up and allows for the total thrust of these motors to be 43kg. The use of removable 6s Lithium Polymer battery pods on either side of the unit allows for the power required. The total weight snips just under 25kg which includes the 6kg payload....phew. The frame has to be made from Carbon Fibre not GRP due to weight restrictions. The unit can be easily made waterproof or water resistant due to the slot and seal parts, as this is one of my areas of expertise (Subsea designer and pilot).
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