The UAE Drones for Good Award 2015 was won by the Loon Copter, a project by researchers from Oakland University. This award, with a value of 1 million US dollars, is presented by the United Arab Emirates and invites the most innovative and creative minds to find solutions to present-day problems that will improve the lives of people.

The Loon Copter can both fly and dive and is therefore eminently suitable for rescue operations at sea. The built-in waterproof camera is very handy for this. Swimming, or even better, floating, is a very energy-saving characteristic, which allows the Loon Copter to be deployed for extensive periods of time, without getting into (energy) trouble.

The Loon Copter has a ballast tank on board for diving or floating, which can be filled with either air or water, depending on the circumstances. The four motors are used for motion both below as well as above the water. Under water the drone turns 90 degrees and moves vertically.

The video clip which demonstrates the various modes of operation is definitely worth watching:

More information at the UAE Drones for Good website and the project page of the team.