UAVs

Australian company Entecho hopes to have a prototype of its Hoverpod hovering air vehicle by the end of this year. The Perth-based company is initially targeting the recreational market for the vehicle, but plans to develop an unmanned version that could have search-and-rescue and surveillance applications.

Entecho recently received a A$52,000 ($39,600) grant from the Australian federal government to commercialise the technology, which it has worked on for three years.

The Hoverpod is the creation of Kim Schlunke, former chief executive of engine technology developer Orbital Engine. Manned versions, which could carry one, two or three people in a bubble in the centre of the vehicle, would fly 1.5m above the ground and be able to operate over all terrain. The one-person Hoverpod would measure 2.4m (8ft) in diameter and weigh 200kg (440lb). It would have a vertical takeoff and landing capability, with lift provided by fans that draw air from above and pump below it. Unlike a conventional helicopter, the Hoverpod would have vertical blades. Entecho has applied for patents for the lift technology, including the "flow vectoring skirt" that surrounds the base of the vehicle.

The first market for the vehicle will be the recreational sector.

EMMA KELLY/PERTH