Student takes flight with innovative human-carrying drone
A student designed a drone capable of carrying a human passenger. Medhansh Trivedi, an intermediate student, unveiled his creation, named MLDT 01, after three months of dedicated effort and a budget of approximately ₹3.5 lakh.
The incident took place in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh on October 21.
The visuals show three students holding the drone on their shoulders before placing it on the ground. One student secures the seat and other components of the drone and then flies it. Afterward, he explains the features of the drone.
According to reports, Medhansh Trivedi is a student of Scindia School. Inspired by advanced Chinese drones, Medhansh worked tirelessly with the guidance and technical support of his teacher, Manoj Mishra. The drone, which boasts a power output of over 45 horsepower, is capable of flying for six minutes while carrying an 80-kg passenger. It can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h and ascend to an altitude of 4 kilometers, though for safety reasons, it has only been tested at heights of up to 10 meters.
The drone measures 1.8 meters in length and width and incorporates four motors commonly used in agricultural drones. Medhansh envisions further developments, including transitioning the drone to hybrid mode once he secures additional funding. The innovative project was showcased during the foundation day celebration of Scindia School, where Union Minister and school patron Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, commended Medhansh for his ingenuity and determination.
Medhansh expressed his aspirations to launch an air taxi company and create affordable helicopters for the masses. “This drone is just the beginning,” he said. “I aim to develop drones that can be used for various purposes, such as transporting goods, aiding agriculture, and providing personal mobility.” The journey was not without challenges. “There were many difficulties in building this drone, but the support of my teachers and family helped me turn my dream into reality,” Medhansh shared.
Manoj Mishra, Medhansh’s mentor, described him as an innovative thinker since his early school years. “He has been curious about inventions since class 7 and has consistently worked on building unique models. Seeing the human drone designs from China inspired him to create this remarkable project.”
As Medhansh continues to refine his creation, his work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and the power of perseverance, offering a glimpse into a future of accessible and practical aerial technology.