SUTD researchers build sailboat drone that flies then sails
Engineers at Singapore university SUTD have created a prototype sailboat drone capable of deploying from an aircraft and sailing for over 100 km.
Controlled descent mechanism
The 1.1 kg ALBATROSS prototype uses rigid wingsails to manage its fall after being dropped from a carrier aircraft. This design causes the craft to rotate during descent, which slows its speed before it hits the ocean surface. The rotation reduces landing forces and allows the vehicle to enter the water without needing special landing gear.
Automatic self-righting process
Once the drone touches the water, it automatically returns to an upright position without requiring any active control inputs. After stabilizing, the machine switches into sailing mode where wind fills its wingsails to propel it forward. This sequence lets the device operate passively while avoiding powered flight hardware during the initial deployment phase.
Operational range claims
The research team states that ALBATROSS can achieve an operational range exceeding 100 km once it begins sailing. The system converts from an aerial release into a controlled ocean landing system before transitioning to wind propulsion. Seven engineers at SUTD built this lightweight vessel designed specifically for successful water entry after an aerial drop.
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