IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

QUADCOPTERS

11th July, 2023 Science and Technology

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • Security forces in Manipur found the Meitei and Kuki factions using quadcopters to track and target their opponents in certain areas of the state.

Quadcopter

  • A quadcopter or quadrotor is a type of helicopter that has four rotors.
  • Although quadrotor helicopters and convertiplanes have long been flown experimentally, the configuration remained a curiosity until the arrival of the modern UAV or drone.
  • The small size and low inertia of drones allow the use of a particularly simple flight control system, which has greatly increased the practicality of the small quadrotor in this application.
  • Small quadcopters are easy to build because of low cost, low inertial force and simple flight control system. Quadcopters provide stable flight performance, making them ideal for surveillance and aerial photography. Other application areas include delivery, land surveys, crop assessment, weather broadcasting, and more. Quadcopters exist in many sizes, from palm-sized ones to those that can carry passengers or heavy cargo.
  • Civilian use of quadcopters is subject to regulations, which are not mature in many countries. However, quadcopters are an important part of future transportation called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY (AAM)

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an "air transportation system that transports individuals and property between points… using aircraft, such as remotely piloted, autonomous, or vertical take-off and landing aircraft, including those powered by electric or hybrid driven propulsion, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

HELICOPTER VS QUADROTOR

Introduction

A helicopter (informally called "chopper" or "helo") is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backward.

A quadrotor, also called a quadrotor helicopter, quadrocopter, or quadcopter, is a multi-copter that is lifted and propelled by four rotors.

Efficiency

Higher

Lower

Mechanical Complexity

High

Low

Electric & Electronic Complexity

Low

High

Agility

High maneuverability

Lower

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements:

1.  A quadcopter or quadrotor is a type of helicopter that has six rotors.

2. Quadcopters are an important part of future transportation called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).         

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) None of the above.

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

 

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/in-violence-hit-manipur-warring-groups-use-quadcopters-to-target-each-other-1235351.html