With its 16 propellers, this helicopter-like device will certainly keep you in the air.

The E-Volo multicopter can be seen as a ‘paradoxically simple’ design of the helicopter.

Each of the 16 rotor blades of this single seat device are empowered by a motor. They create the full lift and are responsible for balancing the axes by independent speed control of the motors.

However complex it sounds, unlike the rotor of a helicopter, the propellers don’t have any pitch control and therefore no wear. These factors make the multicopter mechanically simple, with close to no maintenance necessary.

The device is also rather safe as the craft can continue to fly even if up to four motors fail!

Flight time can last between ten to thirty minutes, depending on the payload and the capacity of the lithium batteries. With an empty weight at 80 kg (including batteries), e-volo fits into the class of ultralights.

The main purpose for the multicopter would most likely be for air sports equipment and in the leisure sector.

A professional application could be made in areas where helicopters are too big and expensive, for aerial photographs or field inspection of large facilities (wind turbines, pipelines), areas where its flight capabilities (vertical take off, landing, and hovering) are of crucial importance.

Via: Core77