Architectural Designs

Could quadcopters be used in commercial flight?

I've seen people flying quadcopters for smaller projects such as building towers and also the very early designs in the 1930's (I think) that weren't successful due to the lack of computerised stability control etc. With the ever advancing technology could it one day be feasible to expect quadcopter designed vehicles to carry humans and/or cargo on long distance flights? Would such travel have any major advantages and disadvantages over plane/helicopter travel?

Public Comments

1. Humans might be out of the question for these vehicles because of the geometry of the plane. I think it would be hard to put people in the aircraft because if one side gets unbalanced, then there may be major problems while in flight. If the technology advances some more, we may be able to modify any smaller designs to incorporate human carrying capacity.However, I could see them being more feasible to carry cargo, since they can do complicated maneuvers and can hover quite well over one spot. Advantages? I would say the only advantage I can see at the current time would be the vehicles amazing maneuvering capability. It also has stabilizing ability which would help with dropping cargo off. Disadvantages? We have helicopters and planes that can transport humans and cargo all over the world. The engines have been fine tuned for a while now, so they can go long distances. Only problem with current technology is that the maneuvering capability is greatly limited, which makes drop off points for humans and cargo limited as well.
2. a helicopter has never been more economical transportation over a fixed wing, a fixed wing plane uses less fuel to move forward, and it does it faster too. now the copter could be used for un even terrain transportation, or short period of time/distance travel. it has never been economically feasible to use a helicopter for long distances, specially with heavy loads. I guess those where the major factors on why they never made such a thing even with the technology. it would NOT make sense for investors to put their money to create such a risky project. and there fore its not created, possible yes but not practical.
3. Boeing is developing a four rotor aircraft that uses a blimp to stay aloft indefinitely. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q3/080708c_nr.html A four rotor version of the Osprey has been shown as a concept. These aircraft are not a huge leap technology wise from the present day twin rotor Osprey. http://lh6.ggpht.com/airshipworld/SHVMGDskX6I/AAAAAAAAB8o/kRyijWbtZ74/s288/BoeingQTR.jpg
4. Short answer - No. Quadcopters have taken off on a smaller model level for 2 main reasons 1. They are easier to pilot. 2. Their payload has now surpassed that of RC Helicopters. Combined with lower cost GPS and stabilisation has meant these have become commercially viable drones. I think with commercial travel people want speed over distance and the plane will always win over a commercial Quadcopter - but never say never for other larger commercial applications. Here is my domain - I have a commercial and personal interest and knowledge in this area. http://quadcopter.heliguy.com