Designed without a focused consideration of controllability and ability to fly, existing micro air vehicle (MAV) often lacks ability to hover at a specific position and is thus inadequate for surveillance detection purposes. In view of this, a research team led by Prof. Wen Chih-yung of the Department of Mechanical Engineering has developed Hong Kong’s first biomimetic flapping MAV by undertaking computational fluid dynamic studies for military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications used indoors or outdoors.
This invention has taken reference from the flying ability (particularly hovering ability) of living creatures such as hummingbirds. It can be geared with two wings or four wings according to the needs. The two-wing MAV has a higher flying speed and higher loading and is suitable for outdoor flight. The four-wing MAV is nimble, compact, stable with better hovering ability. It is good for indoor flight and can be developed into an aerial photography tool. This invention has utilised well-developed technologies, thus saving development costs and time.