Darpa, the Pentagon's advanced-research unit--AKA, the place where they develop Men In Black technology--is working on a flapping robo-sentinel. Aerovironment, the company that's been developing the gadget, just revealed video of the progress they've made, working off of a $2.1 million Darpa grant:
This is the first-ever hovering air vehicle to use flapping wings while carrying its own power source. The hope is that the hummingbird will be useful for indoor and outdoor surveillance, as well as dropping off listening devices and other super-spy cargo.
Why go through the trouble? Why not just build a tiny helicopter? Supposedly, craft like these can fly with far greater airborne efficiency--no wonder birds have wings rather than rotary blades--which would eventually lead to more flight with every refuel. The next prototype is expected to be even smaller, weighing just 10 grams; faster, with a top speed of 22 mph; quieter, and more wind resistant.
[Via Popular Science , which has more information]
Related Stories: | Topics:Technology, Defense Technology, robots, uav, Unmanned Drones, surveillance, Aerovironment, Design, Innovation, AeroVironment Inc., Popular Science Magazine, The Pentagon, Aerospace and Defense Sector, Defense Research |
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Recent Comments | 2 Total
July 3, 2009 at 2:17pm by David Osedach
That thing is sexy! I can't wait to order one from Buy.com.
July 5, 2009 at 4:57am by Mo Raja
I dont agree with the post. If its to be used as a spy device, a bird is the best option as long as they can make it look like a real bird.
Imagine a tiny helicopter flying around the pentagon? Or even an air craft? A bird would not look suspecious at all.
Regards,
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