The world’s first waterproof drone capable of submerging under water, floating like a boat and flying through the air at over 40mph (60kmh) has been unveiled by US engineers.
The $765 (£585) gadget, known as Spry, features a built-in 4K camera that can both record video and snap photos on the fly.
Footage is beamed back to a monitor embedded into a waterproof remote control, which the drone’s developers claim is another world first for the drone industry.
The world’s first waterproof drone capable of submerging under water, floating like a boat and flying through the air at over 40mph (60kph) has been unveiled by US engineers
SwellProUSA and Florida-based Urban Drones say it has taken two years of designing and prototyping to cross the line ‘between science fiction and reality by allowing users to fly and swim, something never before possible’.
‘The Spry’s ability to submerge under water and fly in the air makes it the most versatile drone ever created,’ said Alex Rodriguez, Urban Drones’ CEO.
The Spry has a 3,000-foot range (1km) and is powered by a removable battery that allows users to fly for up to 17 minutes.
Drone enthusiasts can activate the gadget’s GPS from the remote control to access its advanced flight features like hold position, auto follow, and return to pilot’s position.
When activated, the Return To Pilot Position returns the Spry to the pilot even if he or she is on a moving boat, the drone’s developers claim.
A mobile app even allows pilots to draw out a flight path using way points on a map.
The $765 (£585) gadget, known as Spry, features a built-in 4K camera that can both record video and snap photos on the fly
Footage is beamed back to a monitor embedded into a waterproof remote control, which the drone’s developers claim is another world first for the drone industry
By turning off the GPS, users are able to pilot the Spry freestyle allowing them to soar through the air at speeds of over 43mph (70km/h) while pulling flips and turning tight corners just like a racing drone.
The waterproof remote control has an integrated 4.3-inch monitor to view the Spry’s live video feed.
This video feed can also be viewed by several video monitors simultaneously, allowing the pilot to share his flying experience with friends and family.
The remote also displays On Screen Spry Health Data to show the operator the drone’s location, battery status, attitude and other crucial data.
SwellProUSA and Florida-based Urban Drones say it has taken two years of designing and prototyping to cross the line ‘between science fiction and reality by allowing users to fly and swim, something never before possible’
The Spry has a 3,000-foot range (1km) and is powered by a removable battery that allows users to fly for up to 17 minutes
Drone enthusiasts can activate the gadget’s GPS from the remote control to access its advanced flight features like hold position, auto follow, and return to pilot’s position
‘SwellPro has more experience designing waterproof drones than any other manufacturer in the world,’ said Eric Hu, CEO of SwellPro China.
‘We’ve designed an extremely meticulous quality control process and by partnering with Urban Drones, we’re assuring an outstanding customer experience, from purchase to after sales support and warranty service.’
An ongoing Kickstarter crowdfund campaign that ends October 1 has already seen $190,000 (£147,000) pledged of a $27,500 (£21,285) goal.
The Spry will start delivering late-November.
When activated, the Return To Pilot Position returns the Spry to the pilot even if he or she is on a moving boat, the drone’s developers claim. A mobile app even allows pilots to draw out a flight path using way points on a map
An ongoing Kickstarter crowdfund campaign that ends October 1 has already seen $190,000 pledged of a $27,500 goal. The Spry will start delivering late-November
The waterproof remote control has an integrated 4.3-inch monitor to view the Spry’s live video feed. This video feed can also be viewed by several video monitors simultaneously, allowing the pilot to share his flying experience with friends and family
The remote also displays On Screen Spry Health Data to show the operator the drone’s location, battery status, attitude and other crucial data