Helicopter for less than $5000? Yes, and it is world’s smallest, says Indian student

Yes, Pranjal Kulkarni says you can have a chopper for around 200,000 Indian Rupees (that comes to less than USD 4600, the last time I checked the exchange rate).
Pranjal Kulkarni is a student in class 12, who lost his father at an early age. He used the internet, available literature, and help from Dr Subash Mashal, an aero-modeling expert to build this prototype.

He has named his prototype as Ajinkya. It weighs around 180 pounds and is powered by a 37 HP motorcycle engine. According to the details available, it has a length and rotor span of around 11 feet, which should make it one of the world’s smallest.

According to Pranjil Kulkarni, it is expected to have a maximum speed of 90-95 mph, reach a maximum height of 12,000 feet, and is expected to be able to carry upto 200 lb.

The ground testing has been completed – however, the test flight has not been completed. The Civil Aviation authorities of India are expected to evaluate it soon. And, until the test flight has been completed, it may be premature to get excited about the prototype. However, Pranjal Kulkarni deserves kudos for spending years of effort for creating (or at the very least, trying to create) something new. Kulkarni, who comes from an economically backward background, was inspired by the president of India, Abdul Kalam, who was a former space scientist. He raised the money from friends and family members. Now, according to the latest update, he is hoping to meet the President and present his invention before him.

Our best wishes to the young inventor!

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From China – robot chases away intruders, serves the owner!

Researchers at National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) have developed a robot capable of doing tasks like fetching medicine, telephone, etc. They say it can analyze the facial expressions of the owner, judge how good or bad his/her health is, and can act based on that information.
Not only this – they claim that this device can recognize unwanted intruders. It will reportedly chase them away, and take their pictures as well!!

Before you get excited, keep in mind that this is a university research prototype. So, significant progress needs to be made by them, if this has to be brought to the international market.

Still, this is certainly an interesting invention, worth a second look!

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