With dozens of propellers whizzing wildy, a multi-copter drone known as the Megacopter recently received the Guinness World Record for the heaviest load lifted for a remote-controlled multi-copter. It successfully hauled a hefty 134.5 pounds.
The flashy drone, with its 48 propellers arranged in eight groups, took a team of students at the University of Oslo, led by drone-maker Henning Pedersen, 18 months to build. Made of a lightweight aluminum and plywood frame, the drone is supported with wireless controls for lift and thrust.
The Megacopter has 48 propellers and can lift a load weighing more than 130 pounds. Image source: Discovery.
Given the drone’s limited battery capacity, the team had five attempts at the Oslo Science Park to show off its strength. After a few hiccups within the first two tries, the Megacopter carried its load for 37 seconds.
To be counted as “lifted,” the lowest part of the payload had to be elevated to a height over one meter for a minimum of 30 seconds, according to Rachel Swatman of Guinness World Records. This record follows a Guinness World Record set by Intel for the most unmanned aerial vehicles airborne simultaneously.
The Megacopter is legally registered to lift up to 330.5 pounds, although it’s unknown for how long or how high. Drones with a payload such as this could be used for rescue situations and deliveries, as long as they have enough power to sustain a decent flight time.
Want to see the Megacopter in action? Check out the video below.
Because of the recent rise in drone popularity, expect to see more designers and builders setting out to break each other’s records and start new ones. The world of drones is guaranteed to fly high.
Source: Discovery
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