New drone can hide for months under water

Not so long ago we talked about the Loon Copter quadcopter, which can swim. New development of CRACUNS from engineers from the laboratory of applied physics Johns Hopkins University, created for another task. This device does not maneuver under water, but is able to hide there for months, waiting in ambush - and then emerge and fly.

The abbréviatura CRACUNS stands for Corrosion Resistant Aerial Covert Unmanned Nautical System, that is, the "corrosion-resistant hidden unmanned sea air system." The name is consonant with the name of the mythical sea monster Kraken. Externally, the apparatus is also similar to this cephalopod mollusk.


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The drone is hiding on a stationary base under water at a depth of 60 meters or more. The tests have shown that it can be in salt water for up to two months, and after that it functions normally.

At the right moment, the quadrocopter simply detaches from the base and floats vertically upwards, rotating the propellers. He cannot independently return under water, that is, he will have to be brought there manually with the base or in a submarine. Engineers are now working on an independent dive.

CRACUNS parts are printed on a composite-material 3D printer, and the electronics are housed in waterproof compartments. Engines outside are coated with a commercially available protective coating.