The drone was named the Giant Foamboard Quadcopter (GFQ)

GFQ is made from foamboard, a cardboard-like material. It measures 6.4m (21 ft) corner to corner and weighs 24.5kg – half a kilogram less than the weight limit set by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The quadcopter was built from sheets of 5mm thick foamboard, which can be recycled or even composted. The sheets were laser cut to size and assembled into the 3D structure by hand using only hot melt glue. The four arms can be easily removed for transportation. 

The drone is powered by four electric motors running off a 50-volt battery pack and can fly autonomously.

GFQ was tested by the team in July inside the main hangar at Snowdonia Aerospace Centre. The researchers said they hope this demonstration will inspire the next generation of designers to think about sustainability from a completely new...