DARPA and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works are in the process of developing the Transformer TX—a military ground vehicle able to rapidly change into a helicopter-like vehicle and back again, Fox News reports:
Currently, forces have two options to move around the battle space - vehicles and helicopters. But vehicles, even heavily armored highly mobile multipurpose vehicles, are at risk for improvised explosive devices, ambushes and obstructions on the road. [...]
Utilizing flight, the TX vehicle can avoid ambushes and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), while also allowing teams to approach targets from directions that could give them an advantage in ground operations.
With a Transformer TX in flight mode, small units could move in and out of forward operating bases, resupply and evacuate wounded warfighters – without having to compete with the high demand for helicopters.
The initiative is part of a five-year, three-phase DARPA effort for the U.S. military.
Currently in a series of development phases, DARPA will decide whether to approve financing for a Skunk Works prototype pending a further review of the project and concept design. Lockheed says the vehicle could be ready for testing by 2015.