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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| U.S. shows bird-like spy aircraft |
| 2011-02-27 |
| This was posted on RB before , but this article has lots of pics at link spread across three pages. US aerospace company, AeroVironment, has revealed its high-tech hummingbird-like "nano aircraft". The remote control craft has a 16-centimeter wing span, and can record sights and sounds on a video camera in its belly. The craft is in development for the US military. At this stage, it is still not clear if it will be advanced enough to see active service. AeroVironment says it can perch on a window ledge, and gather intelligence without attracting the attention of the enemy. The craft can hover and move quickly in almost any direction, a capability that officials want in a small aircraft for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. |
| Posted by:gorb |
| #8 Biologically-based flight for UAVs has been a top research priority for a number of years. Hummingbirds are the most difficult to replicate, hence their use as a proof of concept. However, while larger versions could carry more power, this form factor has its own advantages. Among them is noise camoflauge .... the quiet whir of the machine isn't all that more noticeable than the whir of a real hummingbird. Note also the conops that includes "perch on a window ledge", which does not draw down the battery at anything like the power use of flight. These prototypes are sufficiently small that a squad could carry multiples, charging some while using others. |
| Posted by: lotp 2011-02-27 20:27 |
| #7 >I read 8 minutes. Yes, translating "military-contractor-looking-for-additional-funding-and-sales" 8 minutes == 2 minutes in the real world. |
| Posted by: Scooter McGruder 2011-02-27 20:07 |
| #6 Gotta build one that runs on poppy nectar. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2011-02-27 17:37 |
| #5 I guess the old Afghan joke of birds flying over Pashtunistan with one wing covering their anuses will have to be updated. I bet the battery gives it about 2 minutes of flying time at best. I read 8 minutes. |
| Posted by: Pearl Gleaper1127 2011-02-27 17:20 |
| #4 What happens when a hawk notices it.... |
| Posted by: Water Modem 2011-02-27 17:15 |
| #3 This type of configuration is called an ornithopter. It is a very inefficient method of flight, I bet the battery gives it about 2 minutes of flying time at best. The biggest problem I see is with such a tiny r/c craft is dealing with wind. When there is so little mass, unless the air is almost perfectly still the vehicle will be buffeted about and virtually uncontrollable. Gyroscopic stabilization adds weight and only helps up to a certain point. On a windy day this thing would just blow away. |
| Posted by: Scooter McGruder 2011-02-27 11:42 |
| #2 Another agenda point: some imams and mullahs work for the CIA. |
| Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2011-02-27 06:36 |
| #1 AQ/Talibunnies start shooting all birds in 3, 2, 1, ... Next on the agenda: CIA converts water to spy juice. |
| Posted by: Whiskey Mike 2011-02-27 05:35 |