VIDEO: THE LOON COPTER DRONE SWIMS UNDERWATER!

The Loon Copter multi-rotor submarine drone project started in 2014 at Oakland University and is the first multi-rotor drone to successfully demonstrate flight, operation on the surface of the water, as well as aquatic diving. 

The Loon Copter flies in the same way as any other quadcopter and, initially floats when it comes to rest on the surfaces of the water. It can then simply sit in one spot or it can use its props to push itself along the surface. The real fun starts when the Loon Copter pumps water into its buoyancy chamber though, causing it to sink.

The Loon Copter is a proof-of-concept prototype and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. The company is looking into extended wireless range and navigation underwater, a redesign of the hull for more efficient aquatic diving, and accommodating payloads for different applications.

Have a look at the video below to see how the Loon Copter operates.