Drone lands on speeding truck with shock absorbers, reverse thrust

Researchers at Université de Sherbrooke in Canada have developed the DART (Direct Approach Rapid Touchdown) drone, capable of safely landing on a moving vehicle traveling up to 110 km/h (68 mph). In tests by the Createk Research Lab, DART completed 38 consecutive landings on a pickup truck’s flatbed at highway speeds. This breakthrough addresses a longstanding challenge in drone technology, where high-speed landings risk damage due to air drag and impact forces. The team’s novel system combines friction-based shock absorbers with reverse thrust control, enabling the drone to absorb impact energy and maintain secure contact without rebounding or sliding. DART’s landing process involves tracking the vehicle from above, performing a high-speed vertical dive to minimize wind interference, and executing a pitch-leveling maneuver just before touchdown to ensure even contact. The shock absorbers dissipate kinetic energy while reverse thrust presses the drone’s legs firmly against the surface, allowing stable attachment even on fast or uneven moving platforms. This