Multi-Modal Vehicle Concept [video]

[espeed]

http://www.sandia.gov/research/robotics/unique_mobility/multi_modal_vehicle.html

[nationcrafting]

Well, it's interesting, but doesn't getting rid of the wings and later the flippers mean it's a single use drone?

Also, how limited are missions that the drone can only do things in this order and not, say, start with flying, then carry out its mission on land and then escape via rivers/sea?

Also, also, the potential for reverse-engineering on anything left behind is a weak point.

[ar4s]

Stupid question, but couldn't a quad-copter basically accomplish all of this by using roters that change their axis?