A new type of drone being tested in the US offers potential advantages for the insurance industry in Australia.

Risk Frontiers scientist Jacob Evans says the new-model drones – or cyclocopters – have two or four blades that jut out from the aircraft’s sides, like a paddleboat.

As the blades turn, they stir the air into a vortex, creating lift, thrust and control.

Current-model drones have four or six helicopter-style blades. They function like small helicopters, tilting in the direction of flight and needing to bank to turn.

Cyclocopters are much more stable, more manoeuvrable, less likely to be affected by wind and can fly parallel to the ground, making then ideal for surveying after natural disasters.

Their performance increases as they are scaled down in size, because the vortex created grows proportionately more powerful.

Mr Evans says a network of drones could quickly assess and map unsafe or contaminated areas. Cyclocopters can also fly below roof level, allowing for 3D images of an entire building, including inside.