Boeing Patents Transformer-like Swimming Drone

If James Bond had a drone, it could start during the skies looking for dangerous guys, after which dive-bomb into the ocean, seamlessly transforming into an underwater evil-lair-in search of submarine.

neatly, put down your popcorn—aviation giant Boeing has a patent for a drone that may just about do just that.

according to Forbes, Boeing’s patent, which was filed in 2013, and issued in April, describes a drone that becomes a small submarine the instant it splashes down.

In its filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark administrative center, Boeing lays out its plans for a “a vehicle which is adaptable for both flight and water commute [and] configured to fly through air and to maneuver thru water.”

What’s no longer totally clear from the filing is whether the patent describes a consumer drone—which would doubtless be handheld—or something extra geared toward military or legislation enforcement. Given the drawing of the proposed tool, it appears extra possible it’s the latter.

the elemental idea is that the flying car can be designed to separate upon entry into the water. That might be carried out with explosive bolts or “salt water soluble glue to maintain [airborne] element attachment.”

it can be uncertain how Boeing intends to make the most of its invention, if indeed it ever involves move. however one thing is apparent: it could be a deal with to look at this thing go full Transformer. due to this alone, let’s hope Boeing builds this.