It looks like AAI Corp has, in truth, landed a contract for feasibility studies of a Transformer flying Humvee plan, which as distant as you can discuss it takes the lightly armored (if armored during all) four man car as well as puts it in the air, practically begging to be hit by the rocket-propelled explosive device. And if which doesn’t sound sketchy sufficient, keep in mind that among the pattern considerations are gas tanks in the craft’s wings that, as Spencer Ackerman at Wired points out, would make really viewable targets. The testing should final about the year, and cost DARPA the cold $3 million. If all goes well, AAI could have the partial prototype in 2013.

Via Engadget

Sometimes it feels similar to a Military-Industrial Complex usually exists to keep us entertained with tales of laser weapons and robots which eat rivalry combatants — not that we’d complain if it did! And for today’s fantastical wargadget, you have zero less than the flying Humvee. The Transformer TX plan calls for four-man vehicle that drives similar to a jeep as well as afterwards takes off to avoid roadside bombs (or impress a ladies). While DARPA has yet to say who will be awarded with a contract for a unpractical pattern stage of the plan, Popular Mechanics has done some digging and it looks like Lockheed Martin and AAI Corp have been both upon a reduced list. While a former has declined to talk about the charity, AAI’s incorporates something called “slowed-rotor / devalue,” where a rotor provides lift upon takeoff, as well as when it achieves the sure speed wings take over. We’ll be waiting for our examination unit, though in a meantime you can get the closer look after a mangle.

Via Engadget