Mavic air flotation device

[billblake]

I do a lot of flying over water. I looked around at different flotation ideas. They all seem like they would affect aerodynamics. So I came up with this. I glue a Velcro strap to the Water Buoy (product name) for stability but also use a small wire for security. The WB will float 1kg. Mavic Air 420g. It inflates and has a light come on when immersed. I experimented with mounting on the top and bottom of the quad. Both work, but mounting on the bottom makes hand launching and landing more difficult and on a boat that is by far the best option. This will not keep you MA dry or even usable but you can get it back and use your DJI Refresh. I HAVE NOT had to test this thankfully.

Happy Flying

 

[swooshdave]

Is it reusable?

 

[billblake]

No . It blows up a bladder with co2. Like a inflatable life preserver. It cost about $13. The whole rig was under $20.

 

[myNames]

Hi,

As I have the DJI Refresh and they want me to send back the drone in case it is falling into water I was trying to make it floatable .

I have the drone since 1 day now but I am traveling to Thailand therefore I thought I need a solution.

This is what I did. It costed me 1 euro.

Still need to try it and see how it works. Don’t forget to cut the part that covers the down distance sensors.

Enjoy!!

 

[hewo]

progress update

 

[itsneedtokno]

So, I see one area that could cause an issue. The surface tension of the water is much higher against a flat surface instead of a curved surface. The flat surface causes a mild suction effect making take off harder and possibly unstable. For example, one leg could stick more than others and cause it to tip to one side.

I would make a wooden replica to practice buoyancy also. Balsa and weights.ight be a bit extreme though lol

but thumbswayup for the 1euro flotation device.

 

[Rayray]

I have a recovery device called "Getterback", designed for fishing rod recovery but also used for drone recovery. Very light and easy to attach and detach.

 

[itsneedtokno]

I wish I had these yesterday.

I lost my MA. Wahhh

I don't think they would have helped though. Because I'm pretty sure I had a prop failure and flipped

 

[hewo]

When will take off be achieveable from ocean calm launch?
Do actual helicopters and military drones do it successfully?