Nezha-SeaDart drone with impressive amphibious and flight technology

The Nezha-SeaDart drone is named after a legendary deity in Chinese culture, and differs from other HAUV prototypes.

Joshua Falcón.

Published: August 16, 2024

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A group of researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University(SJTU) have made significant advances in amphibious technology with the creation of the Nezha-SeaDart drone, a vehicle that seeks to redefine multi-terrain exploration. This amphibious drone has the ability to hover, fly like an airplane and dive underwater at high speed, offering unprecedented versatility.

The multiple capabilities of the Nezha-SeaDart drone

The hybrid air underwater vehicle(HAUV) and its classification allows it to integrate multiple capabilities of an eVTOL and an underwater vehicle, achieving activities both in the air and underwater. In addition, its unique design, inspired by the U.S. Navy’s Covair Sea Dart, allows it to take off and land on land or water, then dive and perform underwater operations before surfacing and continuing its flight.

During a recent ten-day test on Thousand Islands Lake in Zhejiang province, the Nezha-SeaDart demonstrated its ability to move seamlessly between land, sea and air. Moreover, its delta wing provides the lift needed to fly efficiently, and its eight underwater thrusters allow it to navigate underwater with precision and speed.

This unmanned amphibious drone has potential applications in various fields, such as marine research, search and rescue operations, and underwater exploration. The drone technology technology in China, exemplified by companies such as DJIcontinues to amaze the world, and the Nezha-SeaDart could represent the next big breakthrough in multi-terrain vehicles.