China Develops World’s First Underwater and Aerial Drone

China has developed the world's first aerial and underwater drone, "Feiyi," launched from a submarine and capable of swimming underwater and flying.

Developed by researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU) and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC), the drone transitions between sea and sky and can return to the submarine, according to the South China Morning Post.

The drone’s blades open for flight and fold back for underwater navigation within five seconds, reducing water resistance. Special propellers enable underwater movement. Feiyi can move between water and air multiple times in one journey, enhancing its concealment and survivability, as described in a peer-reviewed paper published in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica by NWPU associate professor Dong Changyin's team.

Feiyi, meaning “fly” in Chinese, draws its name from an ancient term describing a water bird preparing to take flight. The drone is designed for applications such as marine reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions, combining efficient underwater navigation and agility in the air.

Feiyi features rotating blades that fold tightly to the fuselage for underwater use and unfold for flight. Its tail-mounted propellers offer propulsion and steering underwater. Upon surfacing, the drone can stabilize in rough waves, deploy its arms, and take off. After landing, its wings fold for submersion within seconds.

It can carry reconnaissance, communication, or other functional modules and complete specific missions autonomously using artificial intelligence. Earlier, Shanghai Jiao Tong University had introduced a similar concept with the "Nezha Sea Dart" drone.