Sangulani Chikumbutso, head of energy and communications company Saith Technology, stands out for being the first Zimbabwean to design and manufacture a hybrid helicopter. This is just one of the many invention he also pioneered.
A childhood that did not predestine Sangulani Chikumbutso to become an inventor
Originally from Kuwadzana, a residential suburb south of Harare, capital of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Sangulani Chikumbutso can boast of having implemented four major inventions. Yet during his childhood, this young man thought of becoming a mechanic.
The hybrid helicopter, called Saith Hex Copter, designed by Sangulani Chikumbutso is equipped with two seats. Its operation requires the use of six different types of fuels and a hybrid propulsion engine.
In order to complete his invention, Sangulani Chikumbutso was obliged to import certain spare parts, graphite and digital elements. However, most of the materials, including aluminum and steel, used come from Zimbabwe. The main asset of this hybrid helicopter? The use of Fly-by-wire technology (electric flight controls) to alternate manual control with electronics. Thanks to this technology, Saith Hex Copter is lighter at altitude.
The multiple inventions of Sangulani Chikumbutso
In addition to the hybrid helicopter, Sangulani Chikumbutso is behind three other inventions. The autonomous surveillance drone, Mesh IP has a dual function: ensuring communication and surveillance. This intelligent drone operates in complete autonomy, so it can steer without the aid of an intervention.
The drone is, in fact, equipped with an automatic pilot function, which is extremely rare for this type of equipment which is generally equipped with a remote control. To achieve this, Sangulani Chikumbutso had to digitally synchronize the sensors, motors and radars. An additional option is also planned. This allows you to program the drone to turn around when the atmospheric conditions are not good or that the planned research is not fruitful.
The GPM (Greener Power Machine) is in the form of a generator producing clean energy. This machine has a capacity of 500,000 Watts. Its manufacture is 100% local. Sangulani Chikumbutso relied on radio technology.
The operation of the generator implies that it channels the energy produced before transforming it into electrical energy that can be used by all electrical devices.
As for the ecological electric car, it is meant to be respectful of the environment. It has an electric motor. This runs on green energy developed by the Greener Power Machine. The advantage of this invention? It does not need to be recharged using a power source. Indeed, it is equipped with five batteries that produce the energy to drive up to 90 km / h. As long as the vehicle is in motion, the batteries continue to charge.
With all these inventions, Sangulani Chikumbutso, realized his childhood dream of designing with a view to positively impacting the development of the African continent. The next step he has set for himself? Obtain an authorization from the government of his country in order to engage in mass production.
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