The Mundus Group successfully completed 10 years of their Green Aerospace Initiative, which is involved in making the UAV technology environmentally-friendly.
This initiative was started in the year 2001 and completed in 2004, with Mundus Group's designated division, Air Drone. Air Drone is essentially a continuation of the first UAV VTOL prototype. This prototype was the result of a joint effort between Roadable Aircraft and the US Navy as part of the three year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). The fan duct of the VTOL measured 81” and its flight control and remote control abilities were tested on the RAI flights. The RAI flights are two passenger VTOL cruisers bearing a US patent.
The patented ducted fan technology for helicopters designed by the Mundus group is particularly useful in situations such as a pedestrian traffic jam where ambulances are trapped or in places that have buildings or trees that make helicopter aided evacuation difficult. The technology is helpful because of the propellers that are completely enclosed and prevent any damage to people or infrastructure. The Chairman explained that they had initially tested their ducted fan technology on the drive shafts of the jet turbine. He added that the concept of building electric fans proved to be a cost saving solution and was eco-friendly at the same time.
Source: http://www.mundusgroupinc.com/