Researchers in Korea have developed a drone that flies and dives under water.<br />Experts say the drones will be particularly handy in maritime search missions.<br />They will also be used to inspect river conditions... before too long.<br />Cho Sung-min reports. <br /> Researchers at the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology have developed a drone that can conduct both air and water search and rescue operations.<br /><br />The new drone is equipped with flying and submerging features...adding extra mobility on the drones while narrowing limits in terms of their search missions.<br /><br /> According to the team, a tiny submersible motor is embedded into each mobile gadgets.<br />That is the core technology enabling the drones to carry out their duties under water.<br />The engine manipulates the drone's buoyancy, allowing it to sink up to three meters below the surface.<br />It can also propel at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour...making it handy in missions carried out in rivers and sea.<br /> <br /> "Mobility is the biggest strength of the drone. They can get anywhere very quickly. Also, they dive into waters and provide a visual right away,...so they are built to be used in all sorts of conditions." <br /> <br /> Researchers say their drones are one of the most advanced in the industry, but they are already thinking on possible improvements, such as a camera that can calculate the growth rate of algae as well as levels of contamination.<br /><br />Cho Sung-min, arirang news. <br />
