Watch how an amateur inventor creates a real “transformer”

The vehicle was so heavy that it required adjustments to reduce its weight and improve its flight performance.

Published: November 28, 2024

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Michael Rechtin, an aerospace engineer (and hobbyist inventor) who showcases his projects on his YouTube channel, has unveiled his latest creation: a “transformer” vehicle that can move like a tank and also transform into a quadcopter at the push of a button.

This unique invention, which combines the features of an RC car and a drone , has been a technical and design challenge, but in the end, Rechtin has managed to develop a functional machine that stands out for its adaptability and intensive use of 3D printing .

How did the idea come about?

The project began with the idea of merging two of his previous inventions: an RC car and a quadcopter. However, it was not an easy task. Few similar projects existed and the few that existed were done by universities. The design process required hours of work in CAD (Computer Aided Design) using the program Onshape, to create an innovative linkage system that would allow the vehicle to transform its wheels and tracks into propellers for flight .

Photo of the transformer becoming — Its design was made with the Onshape program. Source: Michael Rechtin

The complexity of the transformation mechanism was one of the main challenges, but after numerous iterations, the first results began to materialize.

The parts of the “transformer” were created with 3D printing

More than 100 parts of the vehicle were 3D printed using printers from project sponsors Bamboo Labs . Rechtin used materials such as carbon-fibered nylon for the parts that required extra strength, while matte PLA was used for the rest. This approach, in addition to optimizing durability, allowed for quick adjustments during the manufacturing process, such as correcting design errors. One example of this was the reprinting of several parts to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle , which facilitated its flight capability.

The vehicle features six brushless motors, two servos and two linear actuators. These motors are controlled by a central system that is powered by a custom PCB, simplifying wiring and improving the connection between the different electronic components.

After much fine-tuning and testing, the control system allowed the vehicle to switch between tank mode and quadcopter mode successfully . However, not everything was perfect, as during initial testing the vehicle’s weight proved to be an obstacle to flight , forcing Rechtin to modify several parts to reduce the load.

Flight tests and future of the project

Despite a few setbacks, such as an actuator breaking during initial testing, the vehicle was eventually able to take off and fly . Following several improvements, such as weight reduction through higher-quality 3D printed parts , the vehicle not only flew, but was able to return to tank mode , proving the viability of the design.

The transformer vehicle required several upgrades before it could fly. — The vehicle required several upgrades before it could fly. Source: Michael Rechtin

Rechtin, satisfied with the results, reflects on how this type of technology could be used in real-life situations, such as traversing natural obstacles, combining the best of both worlds: land and air.

Although this vehicle has been a challenge for Michael Rechtin, its success marks an important step towards the future of transformable vehicles. With plans to continue refining his design, the inventor invites his audience to share their ideas on what could be the next step for this curious creation.

We already told you about the manufacturing process, now see it with your own eyes in the following video.