Biomimetic flapping wing aerial vehicle

This paper presents a vertical take-off and hover capable flapping wing aerial vehicle using a biomimetic approach; replicating the hovering patterns of dragonflies and hummingbirds. The prototype uses a spatial mechanism driven by a rotary actuator which generates an angle of attack during each wing stroke. A 98 g, 380 mm span two wing prototype capable of vertical take-off and hover for a short span has been developed. The kinematics, flapping patterns, prototype design, enhancements and steering is presented.