A hobbyist named Michael Rechtin has built a dual-mode vehicle capable of transforming between tank and quadcopter modes with the push of a button. This creation utilizes a four-bar linkage system and a retracting linear actuator to rotate its wheels and prop guards into a vertical flight configuration.
The vehicle’s core structure combines carbon fiber plates for reinforcement and lightweight carbon fiber nylon for critical components, offering both strength and heat resistance. Rechtin described the painstaking process, which involved “hundreds of 3D-printed parts, countless design tweaks, broken hardware, faulty software, and some questionable choices,” culminating in a fully functional prototype.
Rechtin’s inspiration stemmed from a desire to merge two previous projects: an RC car and a quadcopter. While researching, he discovered that only a few universities had attempted similar designs, which motivated him to approach the project with original thinking. Using CAD software (Onshape), he sketched and refined the design, focusing on the challenging linkage mechanism that enables the seamless transition between driving and flying modes.
In driving mode, the system keeps wheels perpendicular to the ground for tank-like movement. To transition into flight, a servo lowers the vehicle’s body while linear actuators pivot the rotors into alignment with the ground. Testing the mechanism through 2D and 3D modeling ensured its functionality before construction.
The vehicle integrates over 100 3D-printed parts created using Bamboo Labs’ X1 Carbon and P1S printers, known for their reliability and precision. Critical load-bearing components were printed in carbon fiber nylon for enhanced durability, while less critical parts utilized matte PLA filament. Non-3D-printed elements, such as CNC-routed carbon fiber plates, contribute to structural rigidity and reduce weight through strategic cutouts.
A specialized PCB running Dreamflight software manages six brushless motors, two servos, and two linear actuators. During testing, the vehicle showcased impressive power and mobility in tank mode. However, its 7.2-pound weight posed challenges for flight, revealing limitations in actuator strength and necessitating further optimization.
Future models may have more lightweight materials to improve flight performance. Despite these challenges, Rechtin’s innovative project demonstrates the potential of hybrid designs, blending creativity and advanced materials.