Worlds first controllable robotic samara monocopter MAV, University of Maryland's Ulrich flyer

If you make it bigger, lets say 2 humans can fit in it, than modify it a bit rounder on top and bottom, maybe add a second blade, than you make a section that doesnt spin used for the cockpit and it totaly looks like a ufo! mistery solved :D

like a helicopter... lol? :p

Some of the advantages of this design include a much simpler construction than multi-winged / multi-prop flying devices. Less parts means less to break. This design also requires a smaller, less powerful motor to facilitate the horizontal rotation of its entire body, which provides upward lift, as opposed to several props using direct motor thrust to provide upward lift.

In addition, the fact that this device can be hand-launched means rescuers may throw the device into a space once activated.

Now I'm curious. Why not just have a helicopter design under the same principle (full body rotation)? The overall size and noise would be reduced - equal lifting surface area but lower blade tip speed.

Now add LED's to it and fly the thing at night... preferably outside of a loony bin

Doctor Fritz, they've come back for me!

Passionnant ! J'en veux un aussi... où peut-on acheter ? lol

With the proper electronics and gyros you could sync a camera's framerate to the rotations for a stable video feed.

Neat!

funded by the army! they'll use it for something.. awesome little toy tho.. i want one

Maybe I'm missing something but i fail to see what significant advantages, if any, this design has vs current aircraft models.

I love the sound the ducted fan ones make. Try putting a whistle on that, drive animals crazy!