Boeing patents flying drone that turns into a submarine - Business Insider: Early this year, the US Patent and Trademark Office approved a patent application from Boeing's Nathan Hiller for a "rapid deployment air and water vehicle."
In other words, Boeing's has patented a remotely operated flying drone that can transform into a submarine.
Here's how it works.
According to Boeing, the patented craft could be carried into the deployment area by a host aircraft. The remotely piloted drone would then detach from the carrier aircraft and fly on its own. When required, the drone would then dive into the water.
To reduce weight and to optimize the drone's hydrodynamic properties, the craft would then shed its wings and propellers using explosive bolts and water-soluble glue.
When submerged, a set of propellers and control surfaces would appear in place of the detached wings and the propellers used in the air.
