Phractyl Macrobat
The African startup Phractyl showed a concept unlike anything we have seen before. This is an avant-garde and absurd aircraft with the likeness of "bird paws" on a caterpillar track, a tilted cabin, rotating wings and the possibility of vertical takeoff.
According to the startup Phractyl, Africa is in a unique situation because there is no developed land transport infrastructure. This means that electric aircraft with vertical take-off and landing, which do not require prepared platforms and runways, can find popularity.
Phractyl Macrobat
To solve the "African problem", a small team gathered, called themselves Phractyl and came up with Macrobat – this strange "plane of almost vertical takeoff and landing". The experimental version of the Macrobat is planned to be single-seat, with a flight range of 150 km, a maximum payload of 150 kg and a maximum speed of up to 180 km/h. Phractyl claims that the device can be manned or remotely controlled, carry passengers or cargo, depending on the need. The possibility of creating a larger version of an air taxi is also being considered. Initial applications may include recreational flights, ambulance services, cargo transportation, and even irrigation of agricultural crops.
Phractyl Macrobat
Rather controversial tracked "paws" should allow the car to move over rough terrain, but they are unlikely to be at least somewhat functional. Racks based on bird paws will theoretically be able to rotate and tilt the body of the aircraft, as well as act as shock absorbers when landing. After takeoff, they are folded to reduce the resistance to oncoming traffic.
Phractyl Macrobat
As for the real state of affairs, so far the startup has nothing but renderers and a small wooden Macrobot model. The team is working on creating a prototype power plant and a large-scale functioning model of the aircraft. Phractyl is also actively seeking funding for its bizarre project.