Drones already dominate the skies and now they're headed for our waterways. A French firm has announced two hydrofoil minidrones that sail at 10km/h (6mph or 5.4 knots) on water before taking off and flying at 11mph (18km/h).They have built-in video cameras that record at 60 frames per second and can reach distances of up to 60ft (18 metres). The two new Hydrofoil minidrones (Orak pictured) sail at 10km/h (6mph or 5.4 knots) on water before taking off and flying at 11mph (18km/h). They have built-in video cameras that record at 60 frames per second and can reach distances of up to 60ft (18 metres)The minidrones are called Orak and Newz and are part of a new range of 13 minidrones from experts Parrot.The hulls of the waterborne drones have been built with special hydrofoils inspired by racing yachts.When they hit top speeds, these foils lift the device around two inches (5cm) out the water, at which point the four rotor blades attached to hull flip forward and provide thrust to lift it into the air.
Switzerland’s postal service has announced it is trialling parcel deliveries using unmanned drones. The service showed off the drones for the first time on Tuesday and said initial tests would run until the end of July. If successful, drone deliveries are expected to be rolled out within the next five years.Each quadcopter will carry the parcels in a yellow box attached to its underside that will bear the postal service's logo. Henri Seydoux, founder and chief executive of Parrot, said: 'The success of our first minidrones pushed us to enlarge the family of these super high-tech toys.'After reinventing the helicopter and the radio-controlled car, we are today creating a new species of drone, a super fast and unsubmersible hydrofoil.'These flying drones are attached to a hydrofoil boat, which can lift out of the water and can reach speed of 5.4 knots.'They are expected to go on sale next month online, with international shipping, and in stores across Europe with a recommended retail price of €169 (£120/$185).
Other drones in the range include machines that can jump, race, carry toys, and perform tricks in the air. The 'Jumping' rovers roll, rush, zigzag, take turns at 90° and jump up to 31 inches (80cm) in height and length. The hulls of the waterborne drones have been built with special hydrofoils inspired by racing yachts. When they hit top speeds, these foils lift the device around two inches (5cm) out the water, at which point the four rotor blades attached to hull flip forward and provide thrust to lift it into the air The Hydrofoils (Orak pictured) are expected to go on sale next month online, with international shipping, and in stores across Europe with a recommended retail price of €169 (£120/$185) HYDROFOILS SPECIFICATIONS Speed (air) 11mph (18km/h) Speed (water) 5.4 knots (6mph) Battery 550 mAh Camera Snapshot VGA 3MP Dimensions (with hydrofoil) 12.5" x 13.4" x 5.5" (320mm x 340mm x 140mm) Dimensions (without hydrofoil) 6" x 6" x 1.6" (150mm x 150mm x 40mm) Weight (with hydrofoil) 247g Weight (
without hydrofoil) 58g There is an original model, three 'Jumping Night' models called Diesel, Buzz and Marshall and three 'Jumping Race' drones called Max, Tuk-Tuk and Jett. Each of these drones can 'see, listen and talk' thanks to an embedded wide angle camera, microphone and speaker, and prices start at €199 (£143/$219).The 'Night' versions are fitted with LEDs with adjustable intensity to illuminate the dark, while the 'Race' range includes racing cars capable of travelling at 8mph (13km/h). Each drone additionally has 4GB of memory built-in and is controlled by a free app called Flight3 (pictured) Other drones in the range include machines that can jump, race, carry toys, and perform tricks in the air. The 'Jumping' rovers roll, zigzag, take turns at 90° and jump up to 31 inches (80cm). There are three 'Jumping Night' models and three 'Race' drones. The Jumping Race drone Max is picturedMeanwhile, Parrot's 'Airborne' new quadcopters are capable of performing flips.
The Night versions of these drones will be sold for €129 (£92/$141) and are called Blaze, Swat and McClane. And its 'Cargo' versions, which include transport drones capable of carrying figures or toy bricks - called Mars and Travis - cost €99 (£71/$109).Each drone additionally has 4GB of memory built-in and is controlled by a free smartphone or tablet app. Meanwhile, Parrot's 'Airborne' quadcopters are capable of performing flips. The Night versions of these drones will be sold for €129 (£92/$141) and are called Blaze, Swat and McClane (pictured) And the Airborne 'Cargo' versions which include transport drones capable of carrying figures and toy bricks - called Mars and Travis (pictured) - cost €99 (£71/$109) New (4) from $1,597.00 Ships from and sold by Wakeaction. Slingshot is excited to add the Wakefoiler to our 2017 wake lineup. This industry first is an all-in-one package that includes our custom Wakefoiler board, two masts and a foil designed for user-friendly riding.
Hydrofoil technology has come a long way since the days of the Air Chair and Sky Ski. As the foiling craze explodes in surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddling, it’s only natural that wakeboarding gets its own version. You’ll experience a completely new sensation with the Wakefoiler. No matter what type of rider you are, what kind of boat you have or how rough the water is, floating smoothly and silently over the water is an experience unlike anything else in wakeboarding. The Wakefoil is designed for easy learning and user-friendly progression. The foil provides lift at low speeds and has a bottom-heavy weight balance that promotes stability and easy handling. The package includes two masts, 15” and 24”, that allow beginners to start with a shorter, more manageable setup and step-up as they progress. The Wakefoiler board is an extended version of our classic wakesurfer construction, designed for stability, smooth handling and extra length to help rebound off the water and prevent nose-diving.