Saab Skeldar V200

This just became my favorite new helicopter. Mostly because of the new Heavy Fuel powered unit. The one in the video is a gas powered Hirth engine. But heavy fuel is more cool  8)

http://www.suasnews.com/2012/05/15716/saab-flight-tests-heavy-fuel-version-of-skeldar-uav

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WozyI_Cq4E0&hd=1

 

You know the guys who have built all these "military" application helicopter type drones have been developing them for at least a year, probably more.  I bet you that they cry themselves to sleep when they see a quadcopter.  Way simpler and more stable.  I am sure that someone out there is developing a "military" application quadcopter as we speak that can heavy lift and fly forever on whatever power they use.

I think the helicopter industry as a whole is going to be affected by this quadcopter technology.  A lone guy in Germany has already maidened with a person on board.  That guy is certainly moving to the next level and who knows what else is in the pipe.

Exciting times.