What's the connection between autonomous flight and (no-swashplate) multi-rotor? If multi-rotor is useful, why haven't miltaries used them with pilots? Why are autonomous helicopters overwhelmingly multi-rotor?
Piloted multirotors aren't as popular because they need computer control to be stable, batteries don't scale well, and combustion engines have slower throttle response (not to mention hundreds of moving parts that eliminate the simplicity advantage).
A turbo-electric drive wouldn't magically achieve a faster throttle response, but it might make it faster to shift the power from one rotor to another, which might be what's really needed.
> Autonomous helicopters are multi-rotor for simplicity and reliability
Simplicity (less upkeep) and reliability (safety) seem more important for expensive, manned helicopters! So this argument, on its face, contradicts what we actually see. The only argument working in the right direction is something like "simplicity for tiny vehicles (which are necessarily unmanned) is important because number/complexity of parts makes up a larger fraction of total cost compared to large vehicles where raw materials dominate".
> Piloted multirotors aren't as popular because they need computer control to be stable
Large helicopters are expensive. The computers necessary to stabilize them are going to be just a tiny cost. On the other hand, for a drone the computers could be a sizeable fraction of the price. So, again, this argument appears to go against reality.
> batteries don't scale well,
Then why is this truck-sized vehicle (presumably using internal combustion) a multi-rotor?
> and combustion engines have slower throttle response
Ok, so this is close to an answer. The (weak) argument would be "humans want quick throttle response but robots don't much care". But this isn't too convincing, as I could easily see it being true that humans are better able than robots at compensating for slow responses.
>The patented AT Transformer technology combines the capabilities of a helicopter, such as the ability to take off and land anywhere, with the capabilities of an off-road automobile.
I'm no expert, but it's clear the design was driven by very different requirements than a classic helicopter. Maybe there were many fancy considerations, or maybe they just slapped something together on the basis that bolting 3+ rotors to any old brick will give it flight and great maneuverability.