In early August, Romanian engineers tested ADIFO, a circular UFO-like vehicle capable of moving in all directions and flipping upside down in the air. This Omnidirectional Flying Object (ADIFO) is touted as the world’s first maneuverable flying saucer, promising to revolutionize aviation with its unique capabilities.
At low altitudes and speeds, ADIFO operates like a conventional flycam or quadcopter, using propellers for lift. As it transitions to higher altitudes and speeds, the saucer switches to a rear-mounted jet engine for propulsion. Additionally, nozzles on both sides enable seamless vertical and horizontal flight at high speeds, mimicking the aerial acrobatics of UFOs from science fiction.
Engineer Razvan Sabie and aerodynamicist Iosif Taposu revealed that by integrating various thrust systems, ADIFO can perform unparalleled maneuvers such as sudden stops mid-air or inverted flight.
“ADIFO is the world’s first vertical take-off and landing aircraft capable of omnidirectional flight. This breakthrough results from over 20 years of development. Its circular wing design delivers exceptional flight performance,” stated the design team.
Unlike traditional aircraft, the full-scale ADIFO reportedly avoids generating shock waves or sonic booms. With potential applications as a flycam, drone, combat drone, or even a stealth fighter jet, ADIFO is challenging radar detection technologies. Upcoming tests and simulations aim to validate its flight capabilities at subsonic and supersonic speeds.
