Gallery: This Drone Would Swim Through Lava—if Someone Could Build It

  • Image may contain Mountain Outdoors Nature Lava Eruption Volcano Flame Bonfire and Fire
    Abhishek Roy
    01

    Ipad-Vulcan-61.jpg

    The Vulcan is a concept vehicle that could travel into the Earth's mantle.
  • This image may contain Outdoors Nature Mountain Volcano Eruption Lava Transportation Vehicle Helicopter and Aircraft
    Abhishek Roy
    02

    Ipad-Vulcan-51.jpg

    Lava can range in temperature from 1,500 to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, so the Vulcan would need an outer shell made from ultra-high-temperature ceramics capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 3,600 degrees. You’d
  • Image may contain Lighting and Lamp
    Abhishek Roy
    03

    Ipad-Vulcan-11.jpg

    After a temporary crane or hoist lowers the vehicle into the lava, there’s the question of propulsion.
  • Image may contain Weapon and Weaponry
    Abhishek Roy
    04

    Ipad-Vulcan-21.jpg

    That's tricky when you’re talking about a moving through a liquid that can be 1,000 times more viscous than water.
  • Image may contain Bomb Torpedo Weapon and Weaponry
    Abhishek Roy
    05

    Ipad-Vulcan-31.jpg

    Sound waves or shockwaves could push the vehicle by using a concave shape.
  • Once its down under the Vulcan could use pincers to position test samples or equipment.
    Abhishek Roy
    06

    Ipad-Vulcan-41-1.jpg

    Once it’s down under, the Vulcan could use pincers (made from heat-resistant super alloys) to position test samples or equipment.
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