Domestic 3D printed UAV has been declared the best cargo drone of the future

Airbus and Local Motors have conducted a joint contest Airbus Cargo Drone Challenge, during which they have determined the best project of the cargo drone. As a result, Alexei Medvedev from Omsk has become the winner. He has presented the UAV Zelator, which can be created using a 3D printer.

The contestants had to create a UAV project that was maximally simple and multifunctional. The developers were reported that the drone was needed for fast delivery of medicines in remote regions. In other words, the load capacity of the device should be about 3-5 kg, and the flight range - from 60 to 100 km. Thus, the drone had to fly in all weather conditions, without deviating from the course event subject to strong side wind. One of the mandatory requirements was to equip the UAV with a certain amount of lifting and propulsion engines, so that it could achieve high speed and its takeoff and landing were vertical.   

During the contest, the drones were evaluated in three categories. Firstly, it was a drone having the most original design and the best flight performance. Secondly, it was a drone ensuring easy loading and unloading of medicines. Thirdly, it was a drone, which all the contestants liked most of all.

Design preference was given to Frédéric Le Sellyur, who presented his Thunderbird project. SkyPac, designed by American Finn Yonkers, was declared as the most convenient drone. A grand prize of $ 50, 000 was awarded to Alexey Medvedev, who developed the design of Zelator. Moreover, his drone took the third place in the second category "Ease of loading and unloading." As a result, Alexei Medvedev not only received a large cash award, but also was invited to the International Air Show in Farnborough.

It is interesting to note that almost all the elements of the drone created by the resident of Omsk can be manufactures by means of 3D printing. To implement the project, you can use conventional thermoplastics, and it is desirable to make the carbon fiber frame to provide sufficient stiffness.

At the second stage of the contest, the organizers are planning to create functional prototypes of the most interesting projects.