MouldTech Systems Ltd., an engineering company in Hungary, and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) have jointly developed a fixed-wing drone at a total cost of HUF 1.5 billion. The National Research, Development and Innovation Fund (NRDI) contributed HUF 890 million to the project.

The consortium has been developing the drone since 2019, and it now features unique capabilities that set it apart from others on the market. The drone is multi-purpose and comes with an image transmission system that provides real-time data transmission from four cameras during flights.

The drone’s features

The fixed-wing drone boasts four 120-degree-view cameras that offer imagery in front of and behind the drone. Two of the cameras are night-vision cameras with high sensitivity to light. Therefore, it is possible to fly the drone in limited light conditions, at dusk, or at night without any obstruction.

Additionally, the drone is equipped with an elevating mechanism that features an opening trajectory. This device can launch the drone by electric motor without requiring assembly.

The companies’ contributions

MouldTech Systems leveraged its expertise in multi-axis subtractive machining, state-of-the-art 3D printing, additive manufacturing technologies, and topology optimization to make the drone a reality. The company had net sales of HUF 1.4 billion in 2021, up from HUF 1.1 billion in the previous year, with a profit after tax of HUF 131 million, compared to HUF 51 million the year before.

BME, on the other hand, provided aeronautical, structural, materials science, composites, metals technology, flow, and measurement technology expertise for the drone’s development.

Conclusion

The fixed-wing drone developed by MouldTech Systems and BME is a significant breakthrough in drone technology. It has unique features that make it stand out from the competition. The drone’s image transmission system is especially noteworthy, as it provides real-time data transmission from multiple cameras during flights.

This development could have far-reaching implications, particularly for search-and-rescue missions and military operations. However, as with any technology, there are potential negative implications, such as the possibility of drones being used for malicious purposes. Therefore, it is essential to develop regulations to ensure the responsible use of drones.