Airbus THOR
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (October 2016) |
| Thor | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Designer | Detlev Konigorski |
| First flight | November 2015 - Germany |
| Introduction | International Aerospace Exhibition in Germany |
Thor is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) created by European airspace major Airbus partially through the process of 3D printing. It is the world's first 3D printed aircraft. Presented for the first time at the 2016 Berlin Air Show, except the electrical engine parts, the drone-like model is entirely made by 3D printing from a substance called polyamide.[1][2]
According to the manufacturer, Thor is an acronym for 'Test of High-tech Objectives in Reality.' Although still in beta phase, aircraft like Thor are intended to make flights more economical and safer.
According to AFP, Thor had its maiden flight in November 2015 near Hamburg where it passed most of the tests.[3]
Specifications (THOR)
General characteristics
- Crew: 0
- Length: 4.0 m (13 ft)
- Empty weight: 21 kg (46 lb)
- Propellers: 2-bladed
Performance
External links
References
- ^ Best, Shivali (6 June 2016), "World's first 3D printed plane unveiled: Airbus' windowless 'Thor' aircraft could pave the way for cheaper and faster flights", The Daily Mail, retrieved 8 June 2016
- ^ "Airbus Introduces 3D-Printed Unmanned Airplane". Retrieved 10 June 2016.
- ^ Julien, Marie (5 June 2016), "Airbus presents 3D-printed mini aircraft", Phys.org, retrieved 8 June 2016