First ducted fan UAV

Developed by Tactical Robotics Ltd, a subsidiary of Urban Aeronautics, Ltd, based in Yavne, Israel, the AirMule is a Vertical Take Off and Landing UAV that can fly autonomously – or by remote control – and is designed for troop supply, medical evacuation and cargo transport in the battlefield. It is ready for full mission demonstrations in 2015 and is unique in that it is the first and only VTOL UAV to have no exposed rotors. The lift fan is internal and two ducted fans at the rear of the UAV provide propulsion. Hence it can fly into a 40 m² space that would be difficult or impossible for a helicopter without damage to its rotors. Weighing one ton and with a potential top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), it can carry a useful payload of 500 kg (1,102 lb) over a 50-km distance.